The restaurant industry would collapse without the many immigrants it depends on. As Anthony Bourdain has repeatedly stated, Latino immigrants are the “backbone of the industry” because they come to the United States ready to work, even if means starting as night porters or dishwashers – jobs many are unwilling to take. As we inch closer to a Donald Trump presidency, this is an industry that could see drastic changes if the president-elect follows through on his plans to mass deport the undocumented immigrants who reside in the US.
During the more than one year in which he campaigned, Trump promised to deport the 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the US. After winning the election, Trump amended his statements and said he’d immediately focus on deporting “criminals” and those with “criminal records.” He estimates that will lead to the repatriation of two to three million people. As a result, cities and educational institutions across the US have declared themselves allies of the undocumented community and have vowed to do what they can to protect them. Now, restaurants are joining this movement and creating “sanctuary restaurants.”