Airlines and Hotels Express Concerns Over Potential Immigration Policy Changes

Groups representing major U.S. airlines and hotel chains have expressed concerns regarding the Trump administration's potential plan to halt customs and immigration processing at airports in 'sanctuary cities.' Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin stated in an interview that if local governments do not enforce federal immigration laws, the administration may reconsider processing international flights into those cities. This statement comes ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which is expected to attract millions of visitors to host cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Mullin mentioned that plans are being considered but have not yet been implemented. The Justice Department previously identified several cities, including New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, as impeding U.S. immigration policies. Airlines for America warned that reducing Customs and Border Protection staffing at major airports could significantly disrupt the airline and tourism industries. The U.S. Travel Association also indicated that such a move would have serious consequences for the travel industry and communities reliant on international visitors.