Passaic joined cities around the nation in "A Day Without Immigrants," a movement in response to President Trump's immigration agenda, which includes a wall between the U.S. and Mexico and a travel ban on citizens of seven majority-Muslim countries.
Some businesses are pledging to close for a day; others are opening, but pledging to donate profits.
Enrique Lozada, 31, and his cousin Jessica Lozada, 20, are both kitchen workers from Passaic.
The restaurant where they work is closed today in honor of "A Day Without Immigrants."
"It's because of Trump and his policies," said Enrique Lozada.
Jay Williams, 20, of Paterson, said he didn't think people were really going to participate.
"I heard some things about it but I didn't really think anything about it," he said.
"Everyone just wants a better life," he said.
Katherine Richardson, 20, of Garfield, is formerly of Passaic and said she wasn't really aware of the movement.
"Immigrants run this area," she said.
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