‘Day Without Immigrants’: Workers’ Strike Shuts Businesses in US
Immigrants stayed home from work, protesting Trump’s crackdown, to demonstrate how important they are to America.
The heart of Philadelphia's Italian Market was uncommonly quiet. Stores and restaurants in New York, San Francisco and the nation's capital closed for the day. Grocery stores, food trucks, coffee shops, diners and taco joints in places like Chicago, Los Angeles and Boston shut down.
Immigrants around the United States stayed home from work and school on Thursday to demonstrate how important they are to America's economy, and many businesses closed in solidarity, in a nationwide protest called ‘A Day Without Immigrants’.
The boycott was aimed squarely at President Donald Trump's efforts to step up deportations, build a wall at the Mexican border and close the nation's doors to many travellers. Organizers said they expected thousands to participate or otherwise show support.
It was unclear how many people participated, but in many cities, the actions were disruptive, if not halting. More actions are being planned for 1 May – known as May Day, the internationally recognized holiday honoring workers.
(With inputs from AP and NBC News.)
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