In a display of collective action aiming to send a message to the administration of President Donald Trump, businesses throughout Chicago are boarding up for a one-day closure this Monday. The closure is part of the "Day Without Immigrants," a protest against current immigration policies that many find contentious. Omar Corral, the proprietor of La Michoacana Premium, a favored Mexican ice cream shop on the city's Southwest side, has decided to shut his operations to "show support for my Latino community," he told ABC 7 Chicago.
This national movement is not to be understated, with businesses in Illinois and California alone committing to darken their doorways. The day-long strike urges immigrants to temporarily withdraw from work and school, and to abstain from spending, effectively showcasing their economic significance. The call to action has been to rapidly spread over social media and resonates through many communities looking to highlight the crucial roles immigrants fulfill in both labor and local sectors. Meanwhile, claims President Trump to be making strides toward harsher immigration crackdowns, as reported by FOX 9.
While the intentions behind the protest are clear, some voices in the business community convey concern over the potential unintended negative impacts. According to Jaime di Paulo, President and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, during an interview with ABC 7 Chicago, while he gets the passion that fuels such action, it might end up bringing more harm than benefit. "We are the livelihoods of the community. If we go under, the community goes under," di Paulo emphasized.
