With the incoming administration’s promises to increase immigration enforcement, independent restaurants and bars must take proactive steps to protect their businesses, employees, and communities. Many of our establishments are supported by immigrant workers, whose contributions are vital to our industry’s success. Below, we outline steps you can take to safeguard your team and business. For state specific organizations providing immigration support please visit this page.
Understand the Legal Landscape
Familiarize yourself with the rights of employers and employees under immigration law. Key resources include:
- American Business Immigration/IRC Hospitality Employer Rights and Responsibilities Webinar
- National Immigration Law Center (NILC): Offers fact sheets on immigrant rights during workplace raids. And a guide on what do to if your business is subject to a raid.
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): Provides access to legal support and information about employer compliance.
- American Immgration Business Coalition: Offers a guide for employers in preparation for audits and raids.
Prepare Your Workplace
Create and share an emergency preparedness plan to ensure your business and team are ready for unexpected enforcement actions.
- Train Managers and Staff: Provide training on what to do if ICE comes to your workplace, including handling warrants and protecting employee rights.
- Designate a Point of Contact: Assign someone to liaise with legal counsel and assist affected employees.
- Keep Accurate Records: Ensure all employee documentation (e.g., I-9 forms) is up-to-date and compliant with federal law.
- Use this guide to train your staff on what do if there's a raid at your business.
Pro Tip: Do not allow ICE agents to enter your workplace without a judicial warrant. Verify the warrant carefully before granting access.
Share Resources with Your Team
Make sure employees know their rights and have access to critical resources:
- “Know Your Rights” Cards: Distribute pocket-sized cards that explain what to do if approached by ICE. Available through Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC).
- Emergency Hotline Numbers: Provide contact information for local immigration attorneys and support organizations.
- Family Preparedness Plans: Encourage employees to create plans for their families, including power of attorney documents for childcare and finances.
Build a Support Network
Collaborate with organizations and community leaders to protect immigrant workers and their families.
- Partner with Local Advocacy Groups: Groups like the Immigrant Defense Project or United We Dream can provide training, resources, and legal aid.
- Create a Legal Defense Fund: Pool resources with other business owners to provide support for employees facing deportation proceedings.
Schools, Childcare and Child Separation Resources
If you're looking for additional resources for schools, caregivers and children of immigrants please visit the Center for Law and Social Policy site where you'll find an abundance of information.