Full Breakdown
Texas Business Coalition Pushes Back Against Anti-Immigrant Policies
4/17/2026, 11:55:29 PM
Economic Impact of Immigration Crackdown
A coalition of business groups, restaurateurs, and lawmakers in Texas is mobilizing against the anti-immigrant policies of the Trump administration, citing significant economic repercussions. The coalition, named "Seat the Table," has emerged in response to a crisis affecting the state's restaurant industry, which has seen a dramatic decline in profitability. According to the Texas Restaurant Association, approximately 50 percent of Texas restaurants reported losses last year, an increase from 38 percent in 2024. This downturn is attributed to a labor shortage exacerbated by the administration's immigration enforcement policies.
In Texas, where nearly 10 percent of the workforce is estimated to be undocumented, restaurant owners have expressed that the crackdown has instilled fear among workers, impacting their willingness to work regardless of their immigration status. Regino Rojas, owner of the Revolver Taco Lounge in Dallas, compared the current situation to the economic fallout during the COVID-19 pandemic, stating, “I think this, right now, is worse than the pandemic.”
Coalition's Goals and Perspectives
The coalition is advocating for the creation of work permits for "long-term, law-abiding immigrants" who play essential roles in various sectors, particularly agriculture and hospitality. Kelsey Erickson Streufert of the Texas Restaurant Association emphasized that the coalition is not seeking "amnesty" or a pathway to citizenship but rather a practical solution to the labor crisis. She noted, “If we remove those people, it is going to hurt everyone in terms of higher prices.”
Adam Orman, a restaurateur in Austin, highlighted the anxiety among immigrant workers regarding potential arrests, suggesting that work permits could alleviate some of these fears. He stated, “We also need to change the enforcement tactics, so that people aren’t afraid to go to work.”
Broader Implications for Agriculture
The labor shortage is not confined to the restaurant industry; it has also severely impacted Texas's agriculture sector. Sam Lash, co-founder of Farm to Table, reported that farms are struggling to find reliable workers, a situation he described as unprecedented in his 18 years of experience. He remarked on the long-standing relationship between Texas farmers and immigrant labor, stating, “There has never been a time where it is more difficult to access consistent, reliable, skilled labor from immigrants.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the coalition seeks to address the labor crisis, there may be dissenting opinions regarding the approach to immigration reform. Critics may argue that any form of work permits could be seen as a step toward broader immigration policy changes, which some factions within the conservative base oppose.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I think this, right now, is worse than the pandemic,” — Regino Rojas, Owner, Revolver Taco Lounge
- “And if we remove those people, it is going to hurt everyone in terms of higher prices.” — Kelsey Erickson Streufert, Texas Restaurant Association
- “I’ve been doing this for 18 years, there has never been a time where it is more difficult to access consistent, reliable, skilled labor from immigrants.” — Sam Lash, Co-founder, Farm to Table
The coalition's efforts reflect a growing recognition among Texas business leaders of the critical role that immigrant labor plays in sustaining the state's economy, particularly in the face of stringent immigration policies.
