The article highlights the adverse effects of Donald Trump's immigration policies on the hospitality industry in the United States, particularly as reported by the largest hospitality union, Unite Here. Almost one-third of hospitality workers are immigrants, and the union's report indicates a drop of 98,000 positions from December 2024 to December 2025. This trend is largely attributed to the fear instilled by the administration’s immigration crackdown, which has made the work environment hostile for many immigrant workers.

Moreover, the article discusses how these policies have led to a decrease in international tourism, with a reported 5.5% decline in tourism revenue amounting to $1.2 billion from September 2024 to September 2025. Union leaders assert that the diminishing immigration workforce directly correlates with challenges in recruitment within the industry. Wade Lüneburg, a political director for Unite Here Local 17, expressed concern about the treatment of immigrant workers, emphasizing their crucial role in the success of the hospitality sector.

The implications of these policies extend beyond immediate job losses; they risk further destabilizing an already fragile part of the economy that relies heavily on both immigrant labor and international tourism. As the hospitality industry struggles to recover from the pandemic, the combo of workers feeling unwelcome and a decrease in foreign visitors poses a significant threat to its sustainability and growth in the coming years.