Many Boston-area restaurants closed Thursday for ‘Day Without Immigrants’ protest

BOSTON (AP) — Immigrants across the country stayed home from school and work on Thursday to show how critical they are to the U.S. economy and way of life.

“A Day Without Immigrants” actions were held in cities including Boston, Washington, Philadelphia, Houston, Chicago and New York. The protest gained momentum on social media and by word of mouth.

It comes in response to President Donald Trump, whose administration has pledged to increase the deportation of immigrants living in the country illegally. Trump campaigned on building a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, and blamed high unemployment on immigration. As president, he’s called for a ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries from coming into the U.S.

“Without us and without our contribution, this country is paralyzed,” some flyers posted by group organizers said.

Organizers said thousands of people participated to show solidarity with workers.

Several businesses in the Boston area will be closed Thursday.

Wellesley College’s Davis museum covered almost 20 percent of its work in black cloth. The college decided to cover all 120 pieces of art created by immigrant artists.

“I want people to leave with a sense of the enormous impact of immigrant creativity,” museum director Lisa Fischman said.

In some establishments, workers signed up to cover shifts so their co-workers could take a stand.

The national movement impacted many places around Boston:

Aceituna Grill (Kendall Square, Cambridge)

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Anna’s Taqueria (Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Brookline, Newton)

BLR by Shojo and Shojo (Chinatown, Boston)

The Chubby Chickpea (Canton)

Comella’s Restaurant (Multiple locations)

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Dirty Water Dough Co. (Back Bay, Boston)

Doretta Tavern & Raw Bar (Back Bay, Boston)

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Erbaluce (Bay Village, Boston)

McKenna’s Cafe (Dorchester, Boston)

Modelo’s Market Cafe (Magoun Square, Somerville)

Muqueca (Inman Square, Cambridge)

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La Posada (Magoun Square, Somerville)

Sangria Restaurant & Tapas (Newton)

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