Hotel CEOs Say US Immigration Policy Is Harming Industry
The America-first policy of the Trump administration is hurting US hotels, the CEOs of major hotel companies said Monday.
"President Trump is clearly calculated in his interests to be anti-immigration and in effect anti-foreign, and you end up with a voice heard around the world as, 'It's harder to get into the US.' It makes [the US] less welcoming than it was before," Arne Sorenson, CEO of Marriott International told the crowd at a hotel industry conference.
The comments came minutes after the CEO of Loews Hotels said that the hospitality industry needs "a rational, coherent national immigration policy" immediately in older to find enough staff for its properties.
"Traditionally, immigrants have been a valued source of talent for our industry. That's been true for decades," Jonathan Tisch said during keynote remarks at the 41st annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference in New York. "We're extremely proud of that record. Immigrants make our industry – and our country -- stronger – and they provide a huge boost to America's economy."
Hotel occupancy is at record highs. New properties are opening every day.
But with the nation's unemployment rate at a 50-year low, many hotels are struggling to find qualified workers to staff their front desks, clean rooms, serve meals and do a host of things to make guests' stays seamless.
Tisch, a long-time donor to Democratic candidates, criticized the current political climate in Washington, DC, and the lack of willingness to compromise for the problem. He called on hotel leaders to lobby their elected officials.
"Tell them why finding a solution to immigration is crucial to our industry. Let them know you see compromise as an act of leadership. And that it's time to get the job done," Tisch told the crowd of hotel executives and industry financiers.
While Tisch didn't mention President Trump by name, his speech took several clear shots at him and his administration's policies regarding immigration.
"Many of us have stories about our own family's immigration experience; how our ancestors came to America and built a better life – not just for themselves, but for all of us. My family's American story began in 1904 when my grandfather Al arrived as a child at Ellis Island," he said. "Obviously, a coherent, rational immigration policy is vital to our industry's success."
Marriott's Sorenson however did blame the president for the lack of a coherent message to foreigners. He suggested that industry leaders separate the immigration issue from that of temporary foreign tourists. He said that the US is no longer welcoming.
Sorenson said the US needs "a president in the White House saying to immigration authorities, defense authorities, homeland security that we want to reconcile the different agendas of those departments to drive international tourism to the US."
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees