Businesses nationwide across the US are set to close their doors on Monday as part of “A Day Without Immigrants,” a protest aimed at highlighting the essential role immigrants play in the nation’s economy.
The movement urges workers to stay home, businesses to shut down and consumers to refrain from shopping for the day.
According to CBS News, many local establishments, including restaurants and retail shops, are taking part in solidarity. One such business, Michelandia Bar and Grill in South St. Paul, has already seen a drop in customers following President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.
Alejandro Morales, the restaurant’s manager, explained that many in the community, including those with legal status, are avoiding public places due to fear of deportation.
“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 told CBS News. To show support, Michelandia will remain closed on Monday.
Growing support from local businesses
The strike has also gained traction in smaller communities. According to Bellingham Metro News, several Latino-owned businesses in Whatcom County, Washington, have announced their participation. Among them are Tacos La Guelaguetza, Los Cabos Ferndale, Iconic Coffee, and Bordertown Mexican Grill.
Organizers of the movement, which started in Winchester, Virginia, hope to emphasize the economic power of immigrants through mass action.
Activists are calling for an extension of the strike beyond a single day, with some pushing for boycotts of major retailers, including Walmart and Target, over their reported support for deportation policies, reported Bellingham Metro News.
The initiative also seeks to raise awareness about the financial contributions of undocumented workers. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), undocumented immigrants contribute nearly $97 billion in taxes annually, underscoring their significant role in the economy.
One local activist, quoted anonymously by Bellingham Metro News, stressed the importance of the protest and said, “Seeing injustices at a national level affecting our Latino community, I felt compelled to take action. We contribute significantly to the economy, and I believe that if all Latinos and immigrants participate, the impact will be felt.”
While some businesses fear potential financial losses from closing for a day, many owners believe the long-term message is worth the short-term sacrifice. “We are essential; we are strong; we are a community,” read a statement from organizers circulating on social media.
Meanwhile, employers across various industries are already feeling the effects of the protest. Several workplaces are operating with reduced staff due to immigrant workers participating in the strike.
As the demonstration unfolds, supporters hope it will lead to broader discussions on immigration policies and worker protections. An estimated 8.3 million undocumented immigrants in the US workforce, making up over 5% of all workers, their absence, even for a single day, could send a powerful message, as per CBS News.
