A Day Without Immigrants: Minnesota Businesses Join Nationwide Movement to Highlight Immigrant Contributions and Economic Impact

On February 3, 2025, the United States witnessed a powerful demonstration of the indispensable role immigrants play in the nation’s economy and society as the “Day Without Immigrants” movement swept across the country, including Minnesota. This nationwide protest, which encouraged immigrants to abstain from work, school, and shopping, aimed to underscore the profound contributions of immigrant communities to the fabric of American life. From bustling urban centers to rural towns, the absence of immigrants on this day served as a stark reminder of their vital presence in industries ranging from agriculture and hospitality to healthcare and technology. In Minnesota, businesses joined the movement by closing their doors, standing in solidarity with immigrant workers and families, and amplifying the call for more inclusive immigration policies. The “Day Without Immigrants” movement is not just a protest; it is a celebration of the diversity, resilience, and economic power that immigrants bring to the United States every single day.

The Significance of the “Day Without Immigrants” Movement

The “Day Without Immigrants” movement is a response to ongoing debates about immigration policies and their far-reaching impacts on communities across the nation. By encouraging immigrants to take a day off from their daily routines, the movement seeks to highlight how integral they are to the functioning of the U.S. economy and society. From farmworkers harvesting crops to tech professionals driving innovation, immigrants are woven into the very fabric of American life. Their absence on February 3, 2025, was designed to create a visible and tangible impact, prompting reflection on the value they bring to the country.

The movement also comes at a time when the unauthorized immigrant population in the U.S. has seen a notable shift. According to Pew Research Center estimates, the number of unauthorized immigrants reached 11 million in 2022, marking a reversal of a long-term decline observed from 2007 to 2019. These individuals reside in approximately 6.3 million households, affecting over 22 million people nationwide. About 70% of these households are classified as “mixed status,” meaning they include both unauthorized immigrants and lawful residents or U.S.-born individuals. This data underscores the interconnectedness of immigrant communities and the broader population, emphasizing how policies targeting unauthorized immigrants often have ripple effects that extend far beyond their intended scope.

Economic Contributions of Immigrants

The economic contributions of immigrants, both authorized and unauthorized, are undeniable. Unauthorized immigrants alone make up approximately 4.8% of the U.S. workforce, with an estimated 8.3 million individuals employed in various sectors. They are overrepresented in industries such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, and healthcare, where their labor is essential to keeping businesses running and meeting consumer demand. For example, in the agricultural sector, immigrants account for a significant portion of the workforce, planting and harvesting the food that ends up on American tables. In the hospitality industry, they work as cooks, housekeepers, and servers, ensuring that restaurants and hotels operate smoothly.

The “Day Without Immigrants” movement aimed to shed light on these contributions by creating a temporary void that would be felt across the economy. In Minnesota, where immigrant communities have long been a cornerstone of the state’s cultural and economic landscape, the impact was particularly pronounced. Many businesses, especially those in the food and service industries, chose to close their doors in solidarity with the movement. These closures were not just symbolic; they were a tangible demonstration of what a day without immigrants might look like—a day when restaurants, retail shops, and other businesses struggle to function without the labor and creativity of immigrant workers.

Minnesota’s Participation in the Movement

Minnesota has a rich history of immigrant contributions, with communities from Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe playing a vital role in shaping the state’s economy and culture. On February 3, 2025, Minnesota businesses joined the “Day Without Immigrants” movement in a show of solidarity and support for immigrant rights. Several notable establishments announced their participation by closing for the day, sending a powerful message about the importance of immigrant workers and their families.

One such business is Michelandia Bar and Grill, a popular restaurant located in South St. Paul. The owners of Michelandia, who are immigrants themselves, decided to close their doors on February 3 to stand with their employees and customers. In recent months, the restaurant has seen a decline in customers due to fears surrounding immigration enforcement, a trend that has affected many immigrant-owned businesses across the state. By participating in the “Day Without Immigrants” movement, Michelandia aimed to draw attention to these challenges and advocate for policies that protect immigrant communities.

Another prominent participant was Barbette, a well-known Minneapolis restaurant that announced its closure on social media. In a heartfelt post, the restaurant’s management emphasized their commitment to supporting immigrant workers and their families. “Our restaurant thrives because of the hard work and dedication of our immigrant staff,” the post read. “Today, we stand with them and all immigrants who contribute so much to our community and our country.”

La Costa Mexican Sports Bar and Grill, another local favorite, also joined the movement by closing its doors for the day. The owners of La Costa, who have deep roots in Minnesota’s immigrant community, expressed their hope that the “Day Without Immigrants” would spark meaningful conversations about the value of diversity and inclusion. “Immigrants are not just workers; they are neighbors, friends, and family,” they said. “We hope this day helps people understand how much we all rely on each other.”

The Broader Implications of the Movement

The “Day Without Immigrants” movement is more than a one-day protest; it is a call to action for policymakers, business leaders, and everyday citizens to recognize the contributions of immigrants and work toward more inclusive and equitable policies. The data surrounding unauthorized immigrants highlights their critical presence in the labor force and their contributions to the economy. By participating in this movement, businesses in Minnesota and across the country are sending a clear message: immigrants are not just a part of the economy—they are essential to its success.

The movement also serves as a reminder of the human stories behind the statistics. Each of the 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. has a unique journey, often marked by sacrifice, resilience, and hope for a better future. Many of these individuals live in mixed-status households, where their absence on February 3, 2025, was felt not just in the workplace but also at home. For U.S.-born children, spouses, and other family members, the “Day Without Immigrants” was a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by their loved ones and the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform.

Conclusion

As Minnesota businesses joined the “Day Without Immigrants” movement on February 3, 2025, they became part of a larger national conversation about the value of immigrant communities and the need for policies that reflect their contributions. The closures of restaurants, retail shops, and other businesses served as a powerful statement about the importance of immigrants in maintaining economic vitality and cultural richness. The movement also highlighted the interconnectedness of immigrant communities and the broader population, emphasizing that the well-being of one group is inextricably linked to the well-being of all.

The “Day Without Immigrants” was not just a protest; it was a celebration of the diversity, resilience, and economic power that immigrants bring to the United States every single day. By standing in solidarity with immigrant workers and families, Minnesota businesses sent a clear message: immigrants are not just workers—they are neighbors, friends, and family. Their contributions are essential to the fabric of American life, and their voices deserve to be heard in the ongoing debate about immigration policy. As the nation reflects on the impact of this movement, one thing is clear: a day without immigrants is a day without the vibrant, dynamic, and inclusive America we all cherish.