People gathered across the nation and in Times Square on Monday to take part in “A Day Without Immigrants” rally.
Immigrants and supporters did not shop or go to work on one of the busiest shopping holidays of Valentine’s Day. Participants were also encouraged to keep their kids home from school.
The organizers say the point is to show the economic impact the immigrant community would have if they didn't spend their money or provide labor.
The other purpose is to get Congress and President Joe Biden to come to an agreement on immigration reform, which has been at a standstill.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 36% of jobs held by immigrants in the U.S. are in farming, fishing, building and maintenance.
“Even in present day, it's a city of immigrants. Beautiful buildings were built with the hands of immigrants, with immigrant labor. Same with every single food you put into your mouth, it was probably picked by an immigrant farmworker,” says Diana Moreno, of the organization New Immigrant Community Empowerment.
Some participants are planning to go to Washington, D.C. on Feb. 28 to rally near the White House a day before President Joe Biden's State of the Union Address.