February 3, 2025 “A Day Without Immigrants”
Participants call for fair policies, recognition, and respect
On February 3, 2025, the movement “A Day Without Immigrants” was organized to highlight the significant contributions of immigrant communities to the U.S. economy and society. The movement, which emerged in response to immigration policies or social injustices, encouraged immigrants to abstain from work, school, and shopping for a day to demonstrate their economic and social impact.
Throughout the day, the protest manifested in various forms, showcasing the profound integration of immigrants into the fabric of American life. Restaurants, businesses, and workplaces across the country felt the absence of their workers, while consumers noticed the shortage of goods and services often provided by immigrant labor.
Immigrants’ Spending Power Tops $1.5 Trillion
Beyond its economic implications, “A Day Without Immigrants” serves as a call for fair policies, recognition, and respect. It reminds the nation that immigrants are not merely workers but neighbors, entrepreneurs, and invaluable contributors to the country’s success.
As immigration remains a contentious issue, the day provided an opportunity for reflection on the value of inclusivity and the undeniable role immigrants play in shaping America’s future.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that increased immigration will boost the GDP by $8.9 trillion between 2024 and 2034
Economic growth
- Labor force: Immigrants expand the labor force, which can lead to job growth and higher productivity
- Consumer spending: Immigrants increase consumer spending, which can help the economy grow
- GDP: Immigrants increase the gross domestic product (GDP)
- Innovation: Immigrants are involved in the development of new patents and technologies
Taxes
- Sales taxes: Immigrants pay sales taxes
- Property taxes: Immigrants pay property taxes as homeowners or through rent payments
- Payroll taxes: Immigrants pay payroll taxes, income taxes, and Medicare and Social Security taxes
Other contributions
- Start new businesses: Immigrants start new businesses at higher rates than U.S.-born individuals
- Fill jobs: Immigrants fill jobs in many occupations and industries, including health care and home care
- Increase human capital: Immigrants increase the economy’s stock of human capital and ideas
Online Reports
Several U.S. cities witnessed substantial participation in the “Day Without Immigrants” protest. Although the crowds appeared to vary from a few hundred to several thousand people. For instance, in Chicago’s Little Village, numerous Latino-owned establishments, including restaurants and businesses, closed their doors to emphasize the indispensable role of immigrants in American society. This action was a direct response to the intensification of federal immigration enforcement under the current administration. chicago.eater.com
Similarly, in Detroit and its surrounding areas, dozens of Latino-owned restaurants, food trucks, bakeries, and other businesses ceased operations in solidarity with the movement. This collective action aimed to underscore the critical contributions of immigrants to both the economy and the community. detroit.eater.com
While specific economic impact data from the February 3 protest is still being assessed, historical precedents offer insight into the potential effects. For instance, during the 2017 “Day Without Immigrants” protest, industries with substantial immigrant workforces, such as restaurants and construction, experienced noticeable disruptions. An estimated 1.3 million workers in the restaurant industry were immigrants without legal status at that time, highlighting the sector’s vulnerability to such protests. apnews.com
These coordinated actions serve to emphasize the vital role immigrants play in the U.S. economy and society. By temporarily withdrawing their labor and consumer participation, immigrants and their allies aim to shed light on the profound impact of their contributions and advocate for more equitable immigration policies.
Source(s): Council on Foreign Relations, Congressional Budget Office (CBO)
