On Monday, a social media-driven protest called “A Day Without Immigrants” took place in cities across the United States. This protest aimed to showcase the contributions of noncitizens in the country, including documented and undocumented foreign-born workers who make up a significant portion of the labor force. The protest was in response to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, with thousands rallying against deportations and new immigration policies.
Businesses, restaurants, and schools participated in the protest by closing down or holding back employees and students. In cities like Florida, Ohio, Oklahoma, and the Washington, DC area, establishments showed solidarity with immigrant communities by shutting their doors. The impact was also felt in California, where students and businesses participated in the protest against Trump’s immigration and deportation policies.
This is not the first time such a protest has taken place, as a similar boycott occurred in 2017 shortly after Trump took office. While the administration claims to focus on deporting undocumented immigrants with criminal records, reports indicate that many of those arrested by ICE do not have a criminal history, creating fear in immigrant communities.
Overall, the “A Day Without Immigrants” protest highlighted the essential role immigrants play in the country’s workforce and culture, emphasizing the need for comprehensive immigration reform and protections for immigrant communities.
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