USHCC Predicts Small Business Will Benefit From Administration's Proposed Immigration Rule Change

USA - English

• Latin America - español

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), which represents the interests of over three million Hispanic-owned businesses, via over 200 local chambers, and business associations nationwide, applauds the Obama Administration for addressing a major barrier in immigration law.

A proposed rule change by the Administration will reduce the time undocumented spouses and children are separated from relatives, who are American citizens, while they wait to earn legal status in the United States. USHCC President and CEO, Javier Palomarez, says the proposed change addresses one of the challenges faced by small family-owned businesses in the country.

"From a business standpoint, the USHCC believes this proposed rule change will have a positive impact on American small business across the board," says Palomarez. "Countless small business owners in America depend on family members to help run profitable enterprises and their loved ones will now be able to continue working, while they complete the relevant immigration processes. Companies in the agricultural, transportation, hospitality, construction and manufacturing sectors will benefit, as their employees and their families can now go through the necessary, legal immigration procedures, but in an expedited fashion. This move will minimize the impact to the businesses where they work."

"A major source of our country's strength comes from the diversity of thought and ingenuity of its immigrants.  The United States has given birth to some of the most powerful companies in the world. We as Americans stand to benefit from this rule change," said USHCC Chairman Nina Vaca. "This is a positive change for America's small business community, which employs 64% of the workforce in our country. These small enterprises begin with the family unit and foster an entrepreneurial spirit and drive that is increasingly important in today's global market. Over a generation, they may become the next industry leader like Pfizer, Carnival or eBay - all of which were founded by immigrants and their families," added Vaca.

The USHCC says that it will work with the Administration to ensure that the proposed rule change gets implemented quickly.

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 combined generate in excess of $420 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.ushcc.com.

SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce