‘A day without immigrants’
MISSOURI(KBSI) – A movement called ‘A day without immigrants’ took place Monday February 3, 2024 the movement encouraged immigrants to refrain from going to work, school and shopping to highlight the essential part that immigrants play in the economy and local communities.
St. Louis business owner Adina O’Neal l talks about the movement.
“So I think the main goal in today is for businesses to show that they have impact. Immigrant owned businesses have impact in the local economy as well as the state and national economy.”
Oneil is one of many business owners to show their support and solidarity for immigrant owned businesses today.
This movement comes after President Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration.
“I feel that today is very important. I think with the change in federal administration there is a lot of chaos and confusion happening very quickly and specifically here in St. Louis that been felt in nonprofit organizations such as the international institute because of a ceasing of federal funding the international institute was forced to furlow about two thirds of their staff in Kansas City, St. Louis, Springfield and that has a huge impact on immigrants” says O’Neal.
According to the American Immigration Council there are over four million immigrant businesses in the US, and they contribute to more than one trillion dollars annually. O’Neal says businesses in the St. Louis area showed their support for the movement.
“There are quite a few businesses participating specifically in the Cherokee street district which is a highly Hispanic and Latin owned business district and then also in south grand which has a wide variety of multi-cultural businesses” says O’Neal.
Where St. Louis and other bigger areas participated in the movement others say they didn’t notice many immigrants owned businesses in the Southeast Missouri area participating.
Viewer and Now App user Christy-newsone says her favorite places were open today and not participating.
“I did go onto Facebook and check a couple of places like my favorite restaurants that are not American cuisine, and they are open, so I don’t know of any locations that are closed in solidarity, I think it’s a flashing red light if you do” says Christy.
Oneil shares that awareness and education of immigration policies are vital for unity and understanding.
“Today is really about raising awareness and raising the education. We should always posture ourselves as listeners and learners” says O’Neal “When there’s something going on that doesn’t directly affect us but is it affecting our neighbors? We should learn about that, we should be curious about, we should want to investigate and education ourselves.”
