Head of Chipotle Restaurants Speaks Out on Immigration Issues

After an immigration crackdown on Chipotle restaurants by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Monty Moran, the head of Chipotle restaurants, has become an advocate of immigration overhaul, according to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal. Chipotle Mexican Grill, the popular burrito restaurant chain, became a high-profile target in a move against the employers of illegal workers spurred by the Obama administration. Over 500 undocumented workers were found to be under Chipotle’s employment and were terminated. There was resulting pressure to quickly find qualified workers to replace them -- a challenge in the wake of the immigration crackdown and the increasing rate of turnover the company faced. Chipotle views the immigrant workforce as a vital part of its success.  The restaurant chain expects to hire 100,000 more workers in the upcoming three years. Other plans to expand and create more outlets are in the works. Among other reforms, Moran supports the proposal to grant legal status to workers from across the border.