The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Issues the Following Statement Regarding the Proposed National Day of Economic Action Planned for May 1st
The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ (SHCC), the largest and most influential advocate for the state's 52 thousand Hispanic-owned businesses contributing over $9 billion a year to our state economy, issued the following statement from its President & CEO, Daniel H. Jara, in response to the planned May 1st National Day of Economic Action:
"As the leading advocate for the more than 52 thousand Hispanic-owned businesses in the state, 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 al
l of this state’s small businesses, which are the engines of the NJ economy and fuel our economic growth. Hispanic businesses are the fastest growing segment among the state’s small businesses and service a variety of industries and business sectors.Notwithstanding these concerns, the SHCC also recognizes the apprehension immigrants and their families may have regarding the enforcement-only provisions contained in House Bill 4437. While we represent businesses who 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 contributio
ns 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."
Press Contact:
Daniel H. Jara
150 Warren Street, Suite 110
Jersey City, NJ 07302
201 487-4477
djara@att.net