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Las Vegas tourism slows amid immigration policy concerns

June 2025 visitor numbers dip as unions cite policy changes impacting workers and international travel.

August 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM
blur Immigration crackdown causing ‘Trump slump’ in Las Vegas tourism, unions say

June 2025 tourism in Las Vegas fell as union leaders link the drop to immigration policy and ICE actions, affecting workers and the local economy.

Trump crackdown triggers a slump in Las Vegas tourism

Las Vegas posted an 11.3 percent drop in visitors in June 2025 versus June 2024, with international visitors down 13 percent, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Canada remains a major market for Nevada, but Flair Airlines reports a 55 percent fall in passengers and Air Canada shows a 13.2 percent decline from May to June, about a third lower than last year. Frontline staff report layoffs and fewer hours across hotel and casino departments, underscoring a sense of slower business growth.

The Culinary Workers Union Local 226 says immigration policy changes are part of the downturn. Officials point to ICE raids, even as officials deny official quotas, and to policy shifts on DACA and TPS that create uncertainty for workers who have lived in Las Vegas for decades. The union represents about 60,000 workers in the region, with immigrants making up 24 percent of Nevada’s workforce and contributing an estimated 20.2 billion dollars to the economy annually. Members such as Norma Torres and Nery Martinez describe fear about status and family life as policy debates unfold.

Key Takeaways

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Policy uncertainty translates into lower hours and layoffs for frontline workers
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International markets show notable weakness alongside overall visitor declines
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Immigrant workers underpin a large part of the hospitality economy in Nevada
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A large immigrant share in the local workforce signals potential systemic risk to the sector
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Public messaging about welcome affects traveler confidence and spending
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Labor leaders advocate protections and legal status assurances for workers
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Policy clarity could help stabilize Las Vegas tourism and related jobs

"If you tell the rest of the world you are not welcome, they will listen."

A reaction to policy signals affecting visitor sentiment.

"We are working people with families who love this country."

Worker perspective on staying and contribution.

"Taking away TPS would be tearing away my life."

Personal impact of policy on a TPS holder.

"There needs to be a course correction on the damage to travel and tourism."

Call for policy change from a union leader.

The numbers illustrate how policy signals can shape traveler sentiment. Las Vegas is a high profile case because it relies on international guests and immigrant labor. The declines in key markets reflect wider caution, not just a local blip. The article highlights how a climate of uncertainty can affect decisions by travelers and employers alike.

Behind the data are people. Immigration policy moves create fear that can ripple through payrolls, hours and service levels. The piece hints at longer term effects: if policy stays unsettled, the hospitality sector could face persistent pressures. A stable, clear framework that protects workers while keeping borders secure may help restore confidence and support the tourism economy.

Highlights

  • If you tell the rest of the world you are not welcome, they will listen.
  • We are working people with families who love this country.
  • Taking away TPS would be tearing away my life.
  • There needs to be a course correction on the damage to travel and tourism.

Immigration policy risks to economy and public sentiment

The article ties a local tourism slowdown to federal immigration policy and enforcement actions. While the data show declines in visitors and international travel, the causal link to policy signals can invite political controversy and public backlash. The piece highlights potential budget and economic impacts for Nevada’s hospitality sector and its immigrant workforce.

Policy clarity may determine whether Las Vegas rebounds quickly or stays in a cautious waiting pattern.

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