Across the United States, businesses of all sizes shuttered their doors on Monday as part of the nationwide protest known as "A Day Without Immigrants." This initiative highlights both the contributions of immigrants to the economy and the anxieties felt following recent anti-immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration.
Chicago’s Cermak Road was dotted with closed signs at many local businesses, including La Michoacana Premium, owned by Omar Corral. He explained, "Be the voice for the people who don’t have one, and together we definitely, we’re bigger. Together, we make things happen, make a change.” With more than 60 businesses participating across Illinois and California, these closures aim to underline the power and significance of the immigrant community.
Carmen Montoya, of Mis Tacos, added, "We want the United States to know why it is important to have immigrants, immigrants who are working, paying taxes, doing good things for the United States, not bad things." This sentiment captures the essence of the protest, as participants push back against narratives characterizing immigrants negatively.
The impacts of the protests reverberated throughout various communities, particularly those with significant immigrant populations. For example, Alejandro Morales, the manager of Michelandia Bar and Grill in South St. Paul, stated, "We all depend on everybody," pointing to the interconnectedness of immigrant labor and the local economy. He noted how recent policies have stoked fear among both undocumented customers and those with legal status, leading to reduced patronage.
Since President Trump took office, the immigrant community, including those with legal status, faces heightened scrutiny and fear of deportation, driving many to participate actively or remain at home during protests like this one.
Meanwhile, in the D.C. area, restaurants and shops emphasized their reliance on immigrant workers as they joined the movement. Republic Cantina shared via Instagram, "DC depends deeply on immigrants, who work vitally jobs in our local economy, pay taxes & make the city a vibrant place to live." Pearl's Bagels also echoed this sentiment, offering paid days off for employees participating, stating, "Our staff will receive a paid day off to stress the importance of immigrants to our community and local economy." Such messages reinforce the value immigrants bring to businesses and society as whole.
The protest also united students, with some rising to the occasion to vocalize their experiences and concerns. One student leader, Elizabeth Reyes Amador, said, "One day we could be having dinner with our family, and the next our whole lives could be turned upside down," illustrating the personal stakes involved. This kind of advocacy from younger generations frames the protest as not just about economic contributions but also about human rights and dignity.
Echoing sentiments from past demonstrations, many businesses recalled similar protests from 2017. Back then, thousands left work or school to showcase the indispensable role immigrants play. Ana Cacatci, one protester from West Chicago, summarized her commitment by stating, "It’s important to be here for my people... we want to do this for our parents and our people and to know they have rights." This highlights the multi-generational and cultural aspects of the immigrant experience, rooted deeply within these communities.
Local businesses across the country are not merely economic units; they are anchors within their communities. The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s President Jaime di Paulo expressed caution concerning the protests, stating, "If we go under, the community goes under." His comments serve as both encouragement for community support and acknowledgment of the nuanced perspectives of these protests, encouraging strategy rather than fear-induced reactions.
While participants on the ground demonstrate against current policies, they are also advocating for greater recognition of their contributions. According to estimates from the Center for Migration Studies, approximately 8.3 million undocumented immigrants comprise more than 5% of the U.S workforce. This number emphasizes not only the economic impact of these individuals but the indispensable roles they play across various sectors.
Protests like "A Day Without Immigrants" serve as poignant reminders not only of the contributions of immigrants but also of the pervasive fear and uncertainty they face. With cooperation evident through solidarity actions across different industries, the movement encapsulates the realities of immigrant lives and their acute significance to the fabric of American society.
Through these closures and expressions of solidarity, organizers and participants alike hope to galvanize widespread support for a more nuanced and empathetic approach to immigration policy, fostering inclusivity rather than division.