On February 3, 2025, numerous businesses across the United States joined the ‘Day Without Immigrants’ protest, closing their doors to illustrate the enormous contributions immigrants make to the economy. This nationwide demonstration encouraged individuals, especially immigrants, to refrain from going to work, attending school, or shopping, bringing attention to the crucial roles they play in society.
Businesses Stand Together
With solidarity being a key theme of the day, various businesses across major cities participated in the protest. In Columbus, Ohio, hundreds of businesses temporarily closed, including popular spots like Toro Meat Market and High Bank Distillery. Restaurant owners expressed that their closure was a necessity to showcase support for immigrant communities and to speak out against anti-immigrant sentiments that have increased in recent years. One anonymous business owner shared concerns about potential immigration enforcement during the day, highlighting the anxiety many immigrants feel.
The Human Impact
One of the main goals of ‘A Day Without Immigrants’ is to show how much would change without the hard work immigrants provide daily. For instance, many people in the hospitality industry—from chefs to busboys—are immigrants. Their absence highlights how vital they are to the functioning of many businesses. In Washington, D.C., well-known restaurants like Republic Cantina and Hill East Burger closed their doors, reminding patrons of the restaurant staff’s significance. Many of these business owners chose to pay their workers for the day, showing further support for their staff during this important movement.
History of the Protest
The ‘Day Without Immigrants’ movement isn’t new. It gained traction back in 2017 when immigrants and their allies rallied together against harsh immigration policies. This year marks a significant moment as the protest resonates with ongoing conversations about immigration reforms in the country. Many advocates believe it’s important to continue these conversations, particularly during a time when negative narratives about immigrants can overshadow their integral roles in communities.
Community Reactions
The community reactions to the protest varied. While some expressed support for the closures, others voiced their frustration. Owners of participating businesses noted that they received some negative feedback, but the majority of responses were positive. For instance, in Minnesota, restaurants like Barbette and La Costa closed as a show of solidarity, illustrating the common belief that immigrant contributions deserve recognition and respect.
Get Involved
Those who support immigrant communities can get involved in several ways. Participating in local events, volunteering for organizations that assist immigrants, or simply sharing positive stories about immigrant contributions can help to change perceptions. Events like ‘A Day Without Immigrants’ serve as powerful reminders of the strength of community solidarity in addressing social issues.
Why It Matters
The significance of ‘A Day Without Immigrants’ goes beyond business closures. It’s a call to recognize the rich mosaic that immigrant communities create within America. Their stories and struggles are a reminder of the hard work that goes unseen. To many, this day symbolizes unity and resilience, reminding everyone that together, we are stronger.
| City | Businesses Closed | Type of Business |
|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | Toro Meat Market, High Bank Distillery | Market, Restaurant |
| Washington, D.C. | Republic Cantina, Hill East Burger | Restaurant |
| Minneapolis, MN | Barbette, La Costa | Restaurant |
This table shows just a few of the businesses that stood in solidarity, representing a small portion of the cities where the protest took place. As awareness continues to grow, the hope is that the contributions and rights of immigrants will be recognized and celebrated across the nation.