Around twenty organizations from the U.S. food and hospitality industry launched a campaign on Thursday urging Congress to grant work permits to immigrants, citing a severe labor shortage and emphasizing that immigrant workers are “essential” to the sector.

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The campaign, titled “Seat at the Table”, is led by the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC), the James Beard Foundation, and various national restaurant, bar, and hospitality associations. It highlights the negative impact of former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies on the industry.

As part of the initiative, nearly a thousand chefs and business owners — including restaurateurs, hoteliers, and winery operators — have signed an open letter calling on Congress to pass legislation that would grant legal work authorization to undocumented workers who follow the law and pay taxes.

A press release from the campaign argues that granting work permits would help address labor shortages in restaurants and food services, stabilize food prices, support small business owners, and strengthen local economies.

Rebecca Shi, Executive Director of ABIC, stressed that voters across the political spectrum — especially in key swing states — are demanding action. She emphasized the need to protect the nation’s food supply, businesses, and the immigrant workers who sustain them.

Emily Knight, President of the Texas Restaurant Association, echoed this sentiment, noting that 40% of restaurants are understaffed, leading to declining sales both in the restaurant sector and in retail more broadly. “President Trump clearly stated he wants a secure border, but also a strong economy,” she said. Although the Trump administration claims its enforcement focuses only on undocumented immigrants — who make up about 4% of the U.S. labor force — its policies have also impacted legal immigrants, including student visa holders, refugees, and those with temporary work permits or other protections.

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