On February 3, 2025, a powerful movement called “A Day Without Immigrants” sparked attention across the United States as numerous businesses chose to close their doors. This initiative aims to highlight the significant contributions of immigrant workers to the economy while protesting anti-immigrant policies that have increasingly raised fears among communities. The ongoing campaign encourages individuals to stay home from work and shops to demonstrate how vital immigrant labor is to everyday life.
SOUTH ST. PAUL, Minn.
In South St. Paul, the Michelandia Bar and Grill shuttered to show support for this movement. “Our customers are afraid to come out because of the ongoing anti-immigrant climate,” said Alejandro Morales, the restaurant’s manager. He noted that both documented and undocumented immigrants have been more cautious about venturing out, resulting in less business than usual. By participating in this movement, Morales hopes to stand in solidarity with the local Latin community.
Understanding the Impact
Many people might wonder why this initiative matters. Well, it’s essential to understand that around 8.3 million undocumented immigrants work in the United States. That’s more than 5% of our entire workforce! Without their contributions, many industries, especially hospitality and agriculture, would struggle significantly. By closing their doors, businesses aim to raise awareness about these workers’ crucial roles and challenge leaders to rethink current immigration policies.
Participation Across the Country
This protest isn’t just local. Restaurants and businesses in cities like Washington D.C. and Chicago also participated. Several eateries, such as Republic Cantina and Hill East Burger, chose to close as a statement against the rising anti-immigrant rhetoric. Chef Ramirez, a former undocumented worker turned U.S. citizen, expressed his concerns about this climate of fear. “We should be able to work without looking over our shoulders,” he shared, highlighting the worries many immigrants face about potential ICE raids.
Social Media and Public Support
A crucial part of “A Day Without Immigrants” is its social media campaign, encouraging everyone to join the cause. The hashtags related to this initiative have been trending, gathering widespread support. Whether by staying home from work or choosing to not shop, individuals can participate in this movement in a variety of ways. The goal is to make it clear just how many people rely on the contributions of immigrants, and how life would look without their hard work.
Going Back in Time
This isn’t the first time such protests have taken place. A similar movement occurred back in February 2017, when thousands rallied to voice their opposition to President Trump’s immigration policies. On that day, the streets were filled with thousands of supporters as they made their voices heard. This year, as communities come together again, the fight for fair treatment and recognition continues.
Support from Businesses
| Business Name | Location | Reason for Closure |
|---|---|---|
| Michelandia Bar and Grill | South St. Paul, MN | Support local Latin community |
| Republic Cantina | Washington D.C. | Protesting anti-immigrant rhetoric |
| Hill East Burger | Washington D.C. | Show solidarity with immigrants |
As communities continue to engage in these conversations, the message remains clear: recognizing the importance of immigrants’ contributions to our society is more vital than ever. Participating in “A Day Without Immigrants” urges everyone to think deeper about the impact of these policies and the people affected. By uniting in support, we can create awareness and push for positive change in our immigration system.
