Businesses nationwide participated in 'Day Without Immigrants,' closing their doors or giving employees paid time off on February 3 in solidarity with the community targeted by President Trump's policies and to highlight their input to everyday society. Participants encouraged people not to shop, go to school or work in their respective communities. The day follows Trump's recent executive orders on immigration, including one that could end birthright citizenship, opposing the 14th Amendment. It also comes amid growing fears of ongoing raids from ICE. The focus was to highlight the contributions immigrants make every day, including to the economy. Were you aware of this protest?

In the US, about 25% of farm workers are undocumented immigrants. They play a vital role in the US food industry, working in jobs that involve growing, harvesting, processing, and selling food. Many undocumented farm workers work long hours in difficult conditions. The rhetoric is "immigrants are taking our jobs," but now the fields are empty because immigrants are the only ones that are willing to do those jobs. It's hard labor, long hours, and they are willing to work to fee YOUR families. Were you aware that there were this many undocumented farm workers?

The claim that immigration brings on a crime wave can be traced back to the first immigrants who arrived in the U.S. Ever since the 1980s and '90s, this false narrative saw a resurgence. However, research indicates that immigrants commit less crimes than U.S.-born people. A Stanford study concluded that first-generation male immigrants traditionally do better than U.S-.born men who didn't finish high school, which is the group most likely to be incarcerated in the U.S. The study also suggests that there's a real fear of getting in trouble and being deported within immigrant communities. Far from engaging in criminal activities, immigrants mostly don't want to rock the boat. Do you actually believe that immigrants are the ones you should fear for your safety?

From the beginning of time, immigrants have played a rich and vital role in shaping our countries into the multi-cultural, colourful and interesting mosaic that they are today. Undocumented immigrants pay billions of dollars in taxes each year, including federal, state, and local taxes. In 2022, undocumented households paid $75.6 billion in taxes. Undocumented immigrants pay Social Security payroll taxes, which help support older Americans. Undocumented immigrants work in many industries, including agriculture, construction, and maintenance. Undocumented immigrants spend billions of dollars each year, which supports the economy and creates jobs. And the next time you go out for a tamale or an enchiladas, thank the Mexicans for adding to the American cuisine. Do you believe that mass deportation like is happening now, will hurt or help the economy and our lives?