National Coalition Launches Campaign for Immigrant Food Worker Permits

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A national coalition of hospitality and food industry leaders has launched a new campaign called 'Keep Food on the Table' aimed at addressing labor shortages across the food supply chain by advocating for work permits for long-term immigrant workers. The campaign, introduced by the Seat the Table coalition, is meant to draw attention to workforce shortages affecting farms, food suppliers, and restaurants, with advocates arguing that providing work permits to long-term, law-abiding immigrants could help stabilize the workforce, support local businesses, and ease rising food costs.

Why it matters

The U.S. agriculture industry faces an estimated 155,000 worker shortage, while food prices have increased more than 30% since the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Restaurant Association also reports that 42% of restaurant operators were not profitable in 2025, citing rising costs and staffing challenges. Providing work permits to immigrant workers could help address these labor shortages and economic pressures across the food industry.

The details

The 'Keep Food on the Table' campaign was introduced by Seat the Table, a coalition founded by organizations including the American Business Immigration Coalition, the Texas Restaurant Association, and the James Beard Foundation. Supporters of the campaign are encouraging Americans to contact federal lawmakers and advocate for bipartisan immigration policies that would allow long-term immigrant workers in industries like agriculture and hospitality to obtain legal work permits.

• The campaign was launched on Thursday, March 13, 2026.

What’s next

Campaign organizers say the effort will include outreach through restaurants, social media and an open letter to lawmakers as they push Congress and the Trump administration to consider workforce-focused immigration solutions.