RestaurantAssociation of Latinos Looks to Engage with "Border Chief" Thomas D. Honan in Talks on Immigration Policies Affecting the Nation's Labor Force
The Latino Restaurant Association (LRA), a powerful advocate for the restaurant sector, has been actively pushing for a change in immigration policies to address the pressing issue of labor shortages. The association, which represents thousands of restaurants and millions of workers across the United States, believes that a new permitting program could provide a much-needed solution.
The LRA, as part of the "Seat the Table" coalition, has proposed the creation of a permitting program that would allow immigrant food workers who currently lack legal work authorization to obtain work permits. This approach aims to address the estimated 1 million labor shortage in related sectors like restaurants, bars, and hotels.
By legalizing the employment of immigrant workers who are otherwise law-abiding but lack formal permission to work in the U.S., the LRA hopes to provide a crucial lifeline to employers facing severe staff shortages. This, in turn, would sustain the supply chain from farm to table, ensuring the continued success of the restaurant industry.
The LRA's proposal focuses on practical and immediate legislative steps. The association stands ready to collaborate with the administration to develop policies that enhance public safety without jeopardizing millions of people's livelihoods.
The restaurant industry, the second-largest private-sector employer in the U.S., contributes over $900 billion annually to the economy. Latino workers play an essential role in this industry, filling critical roles such as cooks, servers, dishwashers, and managers. Without them, restaurants nationwide would face labor shortages, increased costs, and potential closures. The loss of the Latino workforce could result in economic hardship and the erosion of a rich culinary heritage.
The LRA has launched initiatives like DINE LATINO Restaurant Week to promote and celebrate Latino cuisine. This annual event, held to encourage customers to sample a wide array of Latin cuisine and different Latino restaurants, aims to create awareness about Southern California's vast array of Latin cuisines.
In 2021, DINE LATINO Restaurant Week was launched in Los Angeles, CA, and in 2022, it was launched in Pasadena, CA. These events are part of the LRA's restaurant initiative intended to promote patronage of area Latino restaurants.
The LRA recognizes the administration's focus on enhancing public safety but warns against mass deportations without thoughtful, balanced policies. The association urges collaborative solutions that balance public safety priorities with the restaurant industry's economic realities and cultural significance.
In a recent move, the LRA has called for a meeting with Thomas D. Honan, President Trump's appointed "Border Czar." The association hopes to discuss the proposed permitting program and other immigration policies that could benefit the restaurant industry and its workers.
[1] Source: "Seat the Table" coalition press release, 2021.
- The Latino Restaurant Association (LRA), in collaboration with the "Seat the Table" coalition, proposes a permitting program aimed at legalizing the employment of immigrant food workers and alleviating labor shortages in the restaurant sector.
- The LRA's proposal for a permitting program focuses on immediate legislative steps, aiming to enhance public safety while avoiding jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions of people in the restaurant industry.
- By promoting and celebrating Latino cuisine through events like DINE LATINO Restaurant Week, the LRA not only encourages patronage of area Latino restaurants but also raises awareness about the significance of Southern California's diverse Latin cuisines.
- Recognizing the administration's focus on public safety, the LRA advocates for collaborative solutions that address immigration policies, particularly the proposed permitting program, ensuring the restaurant industry's economic stability and cultural preservation.
