That wouldn’t fly, for obvious reasons. Instead, there are a huge number of abandoned rural towns, especially in the low population States like the Dakotas. Towns that could have survived, but just faded away because, to be blunt, they were boring. As soon as children graduated high school, they left skid marks.
But right now is a golden opportunity for their revitalization. To start with, these States could make a deal with other States, that have high unemployment, to send their unemployed over, along with a years’ subsidy, which would be well worth the price. Not having to pay years or decades of welfare would be a great incentive for the excess States.
The underpopulated States, some of which have standing benefits waiting for anyone who agrees to move there, would take that one year’s benefits and add it to their own, to make resettlement a lot easier.
The first group to arrive would be carpenters, plumbers, and other construction types, who would be set to work fixing up accommodations and infrastructure for the other arrivals, while the State makes some corporate contracts, so there would be minimum wage Internet jobs for the bulk of new arrivals.
The State small business organization would be tasked with setting up shops and trades, as well as getting some of the more ambitious set to local farming. Low overhead farms like chicken and pigs.
Again, the priority is to turn it as much as possible into a low cost win-win. If it can’t be planned to work out that way, then you need a different place with a different plan.
Do you live in one of those rural towns in a low-population state?
Sorry, but we have an oil boom going out here in the western part of the state. Even the little towns are pretty well full, rents going for $500/mo. and better.
Maybe in Iowa or somewhere. Better yet, have the city folks clean up their own back yards, paint the walls, fix the windows and tend the lawns. There is plenty of decay in the cities and the burbs with better underlying infrastructure, and a lot less culture shock.
The underpopulated States, some of which have standing benefits waiting for anyone who agrees to move there, would take that one year’s benefits and add it to their own, to make resettlement a lot easier.
But we aren't underpopulated. Thirty below zero winters just aren't for everyone.