Immigration Policy Changes: How to Safeguard Your Hospitality Business

The hospitality industry thrives on a diverse workforce, often relying heavily on immigrant labor. While it's impossible to predict exactly how the new administration will approach immigration enforcement, the possibility of increased I-9 audits, stricter policies, or even mass deportations could significantly disrupt your operations. It's crucial to consider these possibilities and take proactive steps now to safeguard your business. This guide outlines the potential challenges and provides actionable strategies to mitigate risk and ensure business continuity.
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What Could Happen?

Increased immigration enforcement could lead to:

• Staffing Shortages: Imagine your restaurant fully booked on a Friday night, but several key kitchen staff are suddenly unavailable. With 34% of undocumented workers in New York employed in the service industry, losing even a small percentage of your workforce could have a significant impact (Center for Migration Studies of New York [CMSNY], 2024). This scenario could become a reality, impacting service quality and customer satisfaction.
• Operational Disruptions: Sudden staffing changes disrupt scheduling, slow down service, and put immense pressure on your remaining team. This can lead to burnout, lower morale, and ultimately, affect your bottom line. Consider that in New York State, immigrant workers account for 27% of the workforce, with undocumented individuals representing 15% of that population (CMSNY). Any disruption to this workforce could have cascading effects on your operations.
• Administrative Burdens: Unannounced workplace inspections, I-9 audits, and increased documentation demands will pull your management team away from their core responsibilities and create significant administrative burdens.
• Financial Strain: Higher labor costs, recruitment expenses, potential fines, and legal fees could put a strain on your budget.
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How to Protect Your Business

1. Strengthen Your Hiring Practices:
   • Implement rigorous I-9 verification procedures.
   • Maintain meticulous employment records.
   • Consider using E-Verify.
   • Train your HR team on the latest compliance requirements.
   • Conduct regular internal audits.
2. Develop a Business Continuity Plan:
   • Create flexible staffing models that can adapt to sudden changes.
   • Cross-train your existing staff to handle multiple roles.
   • Develop emergency scheduling protocols.
3. Partner with Jitjatjo: We provide a pool of e-verified, background-checked, W2 hospitality workers who have passed our rigorous vetting process. Each worker undergoes skill assessments (with a minimum 70% score requirement), mandatory Zoom interviews, and enterprise background checks before joining our platform. Here's how we can help:
   • Mitigate Compliance Risks: Our workers are legally authorized to work in the U.S., with completed I-9 verifications and all required documentation, reducing your risk of fines and penalties.
   • Ensure Business Continuity: Access a flexible workforce of qualified professionals who meet strict experience requirements and have demonstrated their skills through assessments. Our talent pool grows stronger as high performers gain experience and advance to Outstanding levels.
   • Maintain Service Excellence: Our professional and experienced workers undergo thorough evaluations of their presentation, preparedness, and personality, ensuring they seamlessly integrate into your operations and deliver top-notch service.
   • Reduce Administrative Burden: We handle everything from background checks to payroll, and our talent receives ongoing platform training, freeing up your time to focus on running your business.
4. Invest in Your Current Workforce:
   • Offer competitive wages and benefits to retain your valuable employees.
   • Provide opportunities for growth and development.
   • Foster a positive and supportive work environment.

Don't Wait, Act Now

The time to prepare is now. By taking proactive steps, you can protect your business from the potential disruptions of immigration policy changes. Jitjatjo is your trusted partner in navigating these uncertain times.  

Contact us today to learn how we can help you build a resilient and compliant workforce.

Citation:

Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMSNY). (2024). High-growth occupations reliant on undocumented immigrant workers in NYS.