Immigration

Washington, DC--(HISPANIC PR WIRE)--April 27, 2006--The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the largest and most influential advocate for the nation’s 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses contributing over $300 billion a year to our national economy, issued the following statement from its President & CEO, Michael L. Barrera, in response to the planned May 1st National Day of Economic Action:

“As the leading advocate for the more than 2 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the nation, we are concerned that any economic action could negatively impact the Hispanic business community in a number of ways, and would have an adverse impact on all of this nation’s small businesses, which are the engines of the U.S. economy and fuel our economic growth. Hispanic businesses are the fastest growing segment among the nation’s small businesses and service a variety of industries and business sectors.

Notwithstanding these concerns, the USHCC also recognizes the apprehension immigrants and their families may have regarding the enforcement-only provisions contained in House Bill 4437. While we represent businesses that are concerned about the bottom line, we are cognizant of those who contribute to the bottom line of these businesses. We believe that those who plan to participate in the proposed May 1st activities should have the right to express their views on the immigration issue, which is important not only to these immigrant workers but to the entire American economy. Even though we represent businesses, these are businesses with a ‘Hispanic heart’ as many of us are descendants of immigrants.

We urge the participants to work with their employers, advise them of any planned economic action, and be mindful of company procedures. We urge participants to thoughtfully gauge the impact that their actions may have on their employers and their place of business. Many of the businesses and industries that would be most affected by an economic action are Hispanic-owned businesses, who have joined with other important industries in expressing their support for a comprehensive immigration bill that acknowledges the need for essential workers and recognizes the contributions that foreign-born workers – both legal and undocumented – have made to this country’s economy.

We also encourage that any activities on May 1st remain peaceful and continue to respect the democratic laws of the United States. Further, we discourage students from acts of truancy. Educated Hispanics are the best offense and defense our community can have when addressing those national economic and political priorities that will most affect our continued path to growth and expansion.

We must continue to strongly urge the Unites States Congress to pass a comprehensive immigration reform bill that protects our national and economic security while recognizing the contributions of documented and undocumented immigrants. Many of the actions taken by immigration supporters in recent weeks are a direct reaction to the lack of action on this very important issue that affects all Americans. The time for politically-motivated rhetoric has ended; our nation deserves fair and equitable results.”