United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Lauds Walmart's Collaborative Approach in Support of Comprehensive Immigration Reform

News provided by

United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Mar 16, 2010, 08:00 ET

WASHINGTON, March 16 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the national representative for nearly 3 million Hispanic owned businesses, responded to the well intentioned but misguided efforts by one organization to promote comprehensive immigration reform.

Recently, unfounded rumors circulating via text message, blogs and other informal means, have falsely accused Walmart of coordinating or supporting immigration raids in their stores. The USHCC can attest that the rumors are false. While these efforts are regional in nature and are primarily meant to pressure the retail giant to support immigration reform, these rumors are misguided and irresponsible. The USHCC firmly believes that these types of false rumors only generate fear in our Hispanic community. Disturbingly, based on these unfounded rumors, there have been calls for the Hispanic community to boycott Walmart.

"The USHCC is as anxious and impatient as any organization representing the Hispanic community for the White House and Congress to finally pass comprehensive immigration reform. Nevertheless, in our zeal to advocate for this reform – we need to bring communities and stakeholders together, not drive them apart," said David Lizarraga, Chairman of the USHCC. "On immigration reform, Walmart's position is clear – they support us! In 2007, we saw immigration reform fail because labor unions, faith leaders, businesses and Hispanic organizations didn't work together. We allowed the loudest voices in the room to prevail. We need to learn from our mistakes."

"False rumors of raids are all too common in our community. The victims are often children that are kept home from school, businesses that shut their doors as customers hide in their homes in fear, and deeper mistrust of our local law enforcement officials," said Javier Palomarez, President & CEO of the USHCC. "We cannot allow fear and ignorance to set the tone of the debate. We know Walmart is committed to working with all interested parties – lawmakers, employers, and consumers – to make comprehensive reform a reality. Just recently the President announced that a framework for immigration reform will be released by March 21st and that he will call for Senate action in April. This is a time to work together on crafting an effective, unified approach to this challenge."

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate nearly $400 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States and Puerto Rico.

About USHCC Foundation

The USHCC Foundation is committed to giving Hispanics alternatives for life preparation and life-long learning by developing and implementing initiatives and educational campaigns to awaken and nurture their entrepreneurial spirit. The Foundation leverages corporate and public support to ensure that existing and aspiring Hispanic entrepreneurs gain access to and achieve success in the world of business.

http://www.ushcc.com/

SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce