Why Asian Immigrants Dominate the Nail Salon Industry—and Why ICE Is Targeting Them

Across the United States, the nail salon industry is an economic and cultural stronghold for Asian immigrants—most notably Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese communities. The prevalence of Asian-owned nail salons is not accidental; it is the result of decades of migration patterns, social networks, and entrepreneurial spirit. In recent months, however, these same salons have found themselves squarely in the crosshairs of heightened Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity, raising urgent questions about the motivations and consequences of these raids.

A Legacy of Migration and Opportunity

The story of Asian dominance in the nail industry begins in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. After the fall of Saigon in 1975, waves of Vietnamese refugees arrived in the United States, many with limited English skills and few professional options. California—especially Los Angeles and San Diego—became a hub for these newcomers, as did Houston and Dallas in Texas561. These cities offered affordable real estate, growing demand for beauty services, and established immigrant communities that could provide support and employment.

Nail salons proved to be a natural fit. The work required minimal English proficiency, offered flexible hours, and could be learned through on-the-job training or within the tight-knit community57. Vietnamese refugees, in particular, built extensive networks, passing businesses down through families and hiring from within their communities7. Today, nearly 50% of all U.S. nail salons are owned by Vietnamese individuals, and in states like California and Texas, that figure can be even higher16. Korean immigrants, meanwhile, dominate the industry in New York, where up to 80% of nail salons are Korean-owned4.

Asian Nail Salons targeted by Ice

Why ICE Is Targeting Asian Salons

In 2025, a new wave of ICE enforcement has brought unprecedented scrutiny to nail salons, especially those operated by Asian immigrants2. The reasons are multifaceted:

• Worksite Compliance: ICE is conducting raids to check for undocumented workers, often focusing on industries where immigrant labor is prevalent. Nail salons, with their high concentration of Asian immigrant workers, are a prime target.

• Documentation Errors: Many salon owners and employees struggle with complex labor and immigration laws, leading to inadvertent paperwork mistakes that can result in fines, detentions, or deportations.

• Vulnerability: Asian salon workers are often low-wage earners, many of whom are women and recent immigrants. Their limited English proficiency and reliance on community networks make them more vulnerable to exploitation and less likely to report abuses or challenge authority68.

• Industry Scrutiny: The nail salon sector has long been under the microscope for labor violations, wage theft, and unsafe working conditions. Recent policy changes have escalated enforcement, making salons a focus for both labor and immigration officials24.

  
  

The Human Impact

The targeting of Asian salons has had a devastating effect on immigrant communities. Families are being separated, businesses are closing, and entire neighborhoods are losing vital economic anchors. The raids have also deepened fear and mistrust, with workers—even those with legal status—afraid to go to work or seek help when needed26.

Looking Forward

The nail salon industry is a testament to the resilience and entrepreneurship of Asian immigrants, but it is also a reflection of the challenges they continue to face. As ICE ramps up enforcement, advocates are calling for more compassionate policies that recognize the contributions of immigrant workers and protect their rights. The story of Asian nail salons is not just about business—it’s about community, survival, and the ongoing struggle for dignity in a changing America.

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1. https://snschairs.com/blogs/news/what-percent-of-nail-salons-are-vietnamese

2. https://yabe.global/shocking-impact-of-the-new-ice-law-on-the-nail-industry-in-the-us-2025-2026-outlook/

3. https://highschool.latimes.com/features/acrylics-ambitions-and-american-dreams-the-rise-of-the-vietnamese-nail-salon-industry/

4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Migrant_nail_salon_workers_in_the_United_States

5. https://www.labor.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/NAILFILES_2019jan09_FINAL_5a.pdf

6. https://houstonlanding.org/how-vietnamese-families-built-community-revolutionized-nail-industry-over-50-years/

7. https://veritenews.org/2023/07/12/vietnamese-nail-salons/

8. https://synergist.aiha.org/202310-nail-salon-workers