Immigrants represent 36% of restaurant owners and over 20% of the sector’s workforce, but outdated policies force many to live and work in the shadows. To tackle what has become a dire situation for the restaurant industry, the James Beard Foundation has joined forces with the American Business Immigration Coalition and a coalition of America’s top restaurants, hotel groups, vineyards, and farms to launch Seat the Table, a national campaign addressing the industry’s ongoing labor shortage by prioritizing immediate congressional action to provide work permits for immigrant food workers. That action will help stabilize food service, prices, and availability for all Americans, according to a release from Seat the Table.
“Congress and the administration are making decisions right now that will impact the workers who keep our restaurants, hotels, vineyards, farms, and bars running,” the statement said.
The coalition is urging members of the restaurant community to raise their voices in support of the work permits; make your voice hear by adding your name here.
To become a lead signatory and have your organization lead the charge for work permits, share your information here.
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