Largest U.S. Hotel Union Says Trump Actions Are Costing Jobs

Key Points

• Unite Here, the largest U.S. hospitality union, claims that Trump-era immigration crackdowns are depressing tourism and reducing hotel jobs.
• International visitor numbers to the U.S. have dropped, with many travelers citing concerns over U.S. policies and increased law enforcement.
• Union members, many of whom are immigrants, face uncertainty and fear due to policy changes and ICE raids, prompting rights trainings and employer education efforts.

Summary

The largest U.S. hotel workers union, Unite Here, argues that Trump administration immigration crackdowns are discouraging both domestic and international tourism, resulting in job losses in the hotel sector. International tourism to the U.S. has declined, with nearly half of surveyed travelers less likely to visit due to policy concerns. Many union members, who are immigrants, face fear and uncertainty stemming from enhanced enforcement and changes to work authorization programs, leading the union to conduct rights trainings and educate employers on legal procedures.