Womack Meets with NW Arkansas Restaurant Owners on Immigration

Owners call for path to citizenship for long-term undocumented immigrants

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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U.S. Rep. Steve Womack met with restaurant owners in Northwest Arkansas to discuss immigration and other issues. The owners argued that productive, law-abiding immigrants who have lived in the U.S. for decades after crossing the border illegally should be given a path to citizenship.

Why it matters

Immigration reform is a major political issue, with debates over border security, legal status for undocumented immigrants, and pathways to citizenship. The perspectives of business owners like restaurant operators provide important insights into how immigration policies impact local communities and economies.

The details

During the meeting, the restaurant owners expressed their views that long-term undocumented immigrants who have established lives and businesses in the U.S. should be granted legal status and a path to citizenship, rather than face deportation. They argued these immigrants have become productive members of their communities.

  • The meeting between Womack and the restaurant owners took place on February 18, 2026.

The players

Steve Womack

U.S. Representative for Arkansas's 3rd congressional district.

Northwest Arkansas Restaurant Owners

A group of restaurant owners in the Northwest Arkansas region who met with Rep. Womack to discuss immigration and other issues.

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What they’re saying

“Productive, law-abiding immigrants who have lived in the United States for decades after crossing the border illegally should get a path to citizenship.”

— Northwest Arkansas Restaurant Owners

The takeaway

This meeting highlights the complex perspectives on immigration reform, with business owners advocating for pathways to citizenship for long-term undocumented immigrants who have become integral parts of their local communities.