Restaurant leaders in East Texas are sounding alarms. They say federal immigration enforcement actions hurt their businesses. This news comes from a recent meeting in Longview. The Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) hosted the event. Area restaurant owners discussed key issues. They shared how enforcement impacts workforces and sales. Many hope for bipartisan support for reform.
Business Suffers Under Enforcement
Immigration enforcement tactics create fear. This fear spreads through communities. Businesses see fewer customers. Sales decline significantly. Oscar Garcia Santaella, a Houston restaurateur, reported a 40% drop. His restaurant experienced this after a nearby ICE raid. Many Latino-owned businesses feel the pinch. The TRA survey revealed stark figures. Roughly 40% of Texas restaurants noted impacts. These included sales drops. They also saw fewer job applicants.
Workforce Shortages Intensify
Restaurants rely on immigrant labor. This workforce is crucial for food service. Immigration raids cause immense disruption. Some employees stop coming to work. They fear detention or deportation. Family members may also be detained. This leaves businesses short-staffed. The TRA states many businesses struggle. They have job openings but cannot fill them. Nearly half of Texas operators face this. Some restaurants even face closure. This affects the local economy. It impacts job creation. It harms community culture.
Calls for Immigration Reform
TRA officials are pushing for solutions. They work with government leaders. They aim to protect workers. This includes undocumented individuals. These workers must have clean records. The goal is a legal framework. This benefits the economy. It supports small businesses. Advocates stress this is not amnesty. It is about legal contribution. It allows workers to pay taxes. They seek common sense policies. Some hope Republicans will lead reform.
Broader Economic Impact
The restaurant industry is not alone. Construction and agriculture also depend on immigrant workers. Enforcement actions can cascade. This creates widespread economic shockwaves. Businesses face higher costs. These are often passed to consumers. Data shows undocumented immigrants commit fewer crimes. They are less likely to be involved in homicides than US citizens. Immigrants contribute significantly. They sustain key industries.
Looking Ahead
The Texas Restaurant Association plans more talks. They hold town halls across the state. Feedback shapes their advocacy plans. They want policies that support business. They urge people to support local restaurants. For years, immigration has been complex. Traditional politicians struggled to find solutions. However, restaurant leaders believe action is vital. They need policies that work. These reforms can ensure continued economic growth. They can help businesses thrive. The future of Texas business depends on it.
