economy
Trump’s immigration siege is rattling hospitality industry, workers say
Unite Here, the US’s largest hospitality workers’ union, says ICE crackdown is harming tourism and costing jobs
TL;DR
- The US hospitality industry is experiencing a decline in employment, with a 98,000 drop in workers from December 2024 to December 2025.
- Unite Here, a major hospitality union, attributes this decline and a 5.5% drop in tourism revenue to the Trump administration's immigration policies.
- Immigration crackdowns have created fear among hospitality workers, with some being detained despite having work authorization.
- International tourism to the US has decreased by 2.5 million visitors in 2025, impacting revenue for businesses in cities like Minneapolis, Washington D.C., and Las Vegas.
- The policies are causing staff shortages and increased workloads, as some workers have left the industry due to fear or deportation.
- A report estimates Trump's deportation goals could lead to millions of job losses for both immigrants and US-born workers.
- The fear and tension surrounding immigration policies are affecting domestic travel and the overall atmosphere for businesses and tourists.
- DHS and White House spokespeople defended immigration policies, citing public safety and the availability of American workers.