Immigrants and pro-immigration activists worked together to organize a nationwide strike on Thursday, February 16. In a gesture that promises to effect thousands of companies and businesses in cities across the United States, some workers promised to stay home and others pledged to take to the streets in a protest of President Trump's policies, that has been billed as "A Day Without Immigrants."
One of the industries most dependent on immigrant labor is that of food services. Restaurants around Philadelphia, Houston, New York City and other major cities are expected to close their doors in solidarity with protesters, while others will be forced into a compromising position as they face shortages in light of a social media campaign that has reportedly mobilized legions of supporters. One strong backer of the national action is reputed chef Jose Andres, who owns restaurants in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, South Beach, Dorado, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Andres, who immigrated to the states from Spain, has been battling Trump in court after backing out of a deal to open up one of his establishments in Trump's D.C. hotel, in objection to the President's immigration stance. His D.C. spots will be some of the 60 restaurants that have confirmed their closure. They will join dozens of other businesses that will take the day off in the nation's capital.
A Day Without Immigrants is a campaign that like several protest movements have sprung since Trump came into office and have generated support via social media. Fliers responsible for the action's outreach encourage that the "undocumented, residents, citizens, immigrants from all around the world" take the day off from work and school, and refrain from making purchases, in an effort to make a dent in the economy.
"Mr. President, without us and without our input, this country will stand still," the protest literature reads.
Source: thehill.com
