Immigration Crackdown Threatens Nevada’s Casino and Hospitality Workforce

A forum held in Las Vegas drew attention to growing worries that tougher federal immigration rules could affect Nevada’s casino and hospitality industry, putting both workforce stability and economic growth at risk. 

Fear of Enforcement Reduces Staffing Across Nevada Industries

The organizers of the November event put on by FWD.us and Dream Big Nevada cautioned that severe enforcement and widespread fear among immigrant communities are lowering the number of workers available, just as the state’s tourism-driven economy needs more staff.

Panelists explained that many immigrant workers, who make up a big part of Nevada’s workforce now feel scared to show up for work because of tougher immigration enforcement. Rep. Susie Lee pointed out that families are afraid to go to workplaces, hospitals, and schools, which has a knock-on effect for employers in industries that rely on immigrant labor, reported The Nevada Independent. Business owners shared their own stories about how this is affecting their operations, with workers missing shifts or quitting their jobs.

In Las Vegas, casinos and hotels depend on workers from other countries. FWD.us reports that about one-third of Nevada’s immigrants have jobs in leisure and hospitality. They work in hotels, restaurants, and casinos, doing crucial tasks. These workers help Nevada’s economy by spending $16.6 billion and paying billions in taxes each year. People who run these businesses say losing these employees could mess up daily work. This includes cleaning rooms, renovation jobs, serving food, and putting on shows. It would make it even harder to find enough staff, which is already tough.

Immigration Policies Could Raise Costs and Strain Nevada’s Hospitality Sector

Financial forecasts shared at the gathering suggest that ongoing deportations and limits on work permits could boost operating expenses. Experts cautioned that hotels and construction companies face the most risk, with worker shortages likely to push up wages and service fees. This would end up causing higher prices for tourists and locals, impacting everything from hotel rooms to dining out on the Las Vegas Strip.

Presenters also highlighted the effect on employees who used to have legal safeguards under programs like Temporary Protected Status and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. These workers play a vital role in the casino and hospitality workforce. New limits and costs on company-sponsored visas for skilled employees could further shrink the available workforce, leaving resorts and entertainment venues struggling to keep up their service quality.

Panelists stressed that solving these issues is not easy. Lee pointed out that laws like the Dignity Act try to shield at-risk workers, but change has been slow. Supporters keep working to protect immigrant employees, knowing their work matters not just for the state’s financials, but for the lively tourism and casino business that makes Las Vegas special.

Without help, experts cautioned, Nevada’s key industries might face higher costs, not enough staff, and problems that could affect both locals and the millions of visitors who boost the state’s economy. They said the impact goes beyond just families, touching the core of Nevada’s growth driven by hospitality.