The Wisconsin Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association support comprehensive immigration reform that includes a viable guest worker program, as well as a path to citizenship for temporary workers and oppose enforcement-only approaches, such as the bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The restaurant industry is an industry of opportunity that employs a diverse cross-section of people from different backgrounds and cultures. Immigrants are fundamental to the success of the restaurant industry, as entrepreneurs, as customers, and as workers.

Most restaurant operators in Wisconsin have proper documentation including an I-9 form for each and every employee. WRA does not condone lawbreaking.

The restaurant industry, like this country, was built on the dreams of immigrants. Hundreds of thousands of immigrants have come to the U.S. and started a career in restaurants or opened their own small businesses - which are the building blocks of a strong economy.

The Restaurant and foodservice industry is the top private sector employer of immigrant workers. In fact, the National Restaurant Association estimates that more than one quarter of foodservice managers are foreign-born.

WRA understands workers’ frustration with the current dysfunctional immigration system and their desire to participate in protests. It does not endorse walkouts or boycotts and strongly condemns any coercion of workers to walk out.

It is unclear what the effect of the May 1st rally will have on restaurants in Wisconsin. “Some businesses will most likely be affected more than others,” said Ed Lump, President and CEO of the Wisconsin Restaurant Association. “WRA is urging its members to be proactive and talk with their employees about the rally in advance. We’ve heard of some restaurants that are closing for the day to allow their employees to participate in the rally, while others are adjusting shift times or schedules to accommodate workers who wish to attend.”

WRA and NRA support reform that strengthens our borders, provides a mechanism for employers to hire from abroad when US workers are not available, and creates a program for the undocumented to earn legal status and eventually citizenship if they declare themselves, remain employed, learn English and pay back taxes.

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Since 1933, the Wisconsin Restaurant Association has been dedicated to the promotion, protection and improvement of the foodservice industry. The Wisconsin Restaurant Education Foundation’s mission is to promote food service as a professional career path; attract and educate future industry leaders; and provide quality training for those already working in the industry.