https://www.axios.com/2025/07/03/trump-immigration-ice-raids-restaurant-workersRestaurants ask President Trump for "targeted relief" from immigration crackdown
The trade association representing U.S. restaurants is asking President Trump for "targeted relief" from his immigration crackdown.
Why it matters: The president recently signaled a willingness to cut some slack for farms and hotels, saying "our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them."
Driving the news: The National Restaurant Association sent a letter to Trump dated July 1 saying the industry also needs a break.
"As you recognize, the workforce challenges facing farms and hotels also extend to the restaurant industry," National Restaurant Association CEO Michelle Korsmo said in a letter co-signed by state hospitality associations and obtained by Axios.
"Restaurant operators, farms, and hotels rely on longtime, law-abiding workers in order to better serve our national food and hospitality supply chain."
Zoom in: The letter called for Trump to "partner with our industry to implement targeted workforce solutions" and "consider deferred action with work authorization on a select basis for long-serving employees who pass background checks, pay taxes, and meet rigorous vetting standards."
It would "provide continuity and workforce stability" for the 77% of restaurants that "struggle to hire and retain staff," the association said.
State of play: The administration recently resumed Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids on hotels and farms after a brief pause, according to NBC News.
But Trump told Fox News last week that he's developing "a temporary pass" for agricultural workers who pay taxes and don't commit crimes.
The White House had no immediate comment on the association's letter Thursday morning.
