Businesses in the United States are shutting down on Monday, Feb. 3 across the country in support of immigrants—workers will stay home and consumers are urged not to shop.
Called “A Day Without Immigrants,” a nationwide initiative aimed at demonstrating the vital role immigrants play in the U.S. economy and protesting recent anti-immigrant policies.
The movement aims to portray the importance of immigrant workers and their part in making American businesses like restaurants and shops run smoothly.
READ: After H-1B, Trump’s MAGA supporters target OPT (January 7, 2025)
Since January 2025, President Donald Trump has been implementing a stricter immigration crackdown, leading to several significant consequences. Deportations have increased, with a focus on undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal records or overstayed visas. This has caused fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities, and families have been separated as a result.
Many industries that depend on immigrant labor, such as agriculture, hospitality, and construction, are now facing severe labor shortages. With fewer workers available, businesses are experiencing disruptions, driving up costs and potentially slowing down productivity. This has led to higher wages in some sectors, but also higher prices for consumers.
The legal immigration process has also been strained, with longer wait times and more barriers for those trying to immigrate legally. At the same time, refugee admissions have been significantly reduced, further limiting the U.S.’s role in providing asylum.
The crackdown has sparked intense political tension, with protests and legal challenges emerging from immigrant rights groups and activists. On the other hand, supporters of the policies argue that these actions are necessary to protect U.S. jobs and security, leading to a deeper divide in the national debate on immigration.
READ: Trump 2.0 highlights growing influence of Indian Americans (January 20, 2025)
Reportedly, many local businesses, such as Michelandia Bar and Grill in South St. Paul, are joining in to show support.
Manager Alejandro Morales said his restaurant, which serves as a hub for Mexican culture, has seen fewer customers since Trump’s immigration crackdown.
“People are afraid of coming because they might think that immigration can get in and they’ll take all the people, not just our employees but our customers as well,” Morales said.