Sam Toia on Immigration Report: Pragmatic Reforms Will Help Industry Thrive

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs issued report on a two year study analyzing the hospitality industry's reliance on immigrant labor across the Midwest. The Illinois Restaurant Association and IRA member Billy Lawless, Owner of The Gage/Acanto, shared their insights on immigrants in the restaurant industry in the report.  

With hospitality job growth expected to continue and the region's U.S.-born population graying, shrinking and opting for higher-skill jobs, the report says the sector needs access to an immigrant workforce to keep the doors open.

IRA President & CEO Sam Toia noted that the report concludes with "pragmatic immigration reform policy recommendations that will help the Midwest's hospitality industries thrive."

Click here to read more at Chicago Tribune. 

Click here to download the report.