WASHINGTON, May 8, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, 150 Hispanic chambers of commerce and business associations sent a joint letter to Members of Congress urging them to support one of the country's most pressing business issues – comprehensive immigration reform. The effort was organized by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the country's largest Hispanic business association.
The signatories of the letter affirm that immigration reform is an "integral component of our [country's] economic policy and directly impacts the competitiveness of our country's workforce." The letter mentions the economic benefits of passing immigration reform and describes it as an "economic imperative for our country." It urges support for commonsense reform from "all ranges of the political spectrum."
"This letter to Congress shows that the country's Hispanic business community, at all levels, stands united behind the bi-partisan immigration reform effort in Congress," said USHCC President & CEO Javier Palomarez. "The Hispanic business community is sending Congress a clear message that the time for reform is now and that our country's business owners and job creators are demanding action."
Immigrant-owned businesses generate an estimated $775 billion in annual revenue, employing 1 out of every 10 American workers. Forty percent of the Fortune 500 companies were started by immigrants or children of immigrants. Leading brands, like Google, Kohls, eBay, Pfizer, AT&T and Intel, were founded by immigrants. According to a recent poll of America's business leaders conducted by the Small Business Majority, 84% of entrepreneurs support the bipartisan Gang of Eight Senate Bill.
"Immigration reform empowers us to build a future for ourselves that will support families, enrich communities, and strengthen our country," added Palomarez. "Immigration reform isn't a threat to the American Dream. It is a re-dedication of the American Dream."
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of over 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses across the United States that contribute in excess of $465 billion to the American economy each year. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. Follow us on Twitter @USHCC.