|
 |
| |
 |
Day Without Immigrants |
| Home » About The Chamber » Position Papers » Day Without Immigrants |
|
Unique Page Visits: 2272 |
|
|
|
Laredo Chamber of Commerce Position Papers
MAY 1 – DAY WITHOUT IMMIGRANTS
Policy Statement of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce
SITUATION ANALYSIS
The U.S. Congress is presently considering legislation to address Immigration Reform. This topic has generated much controversy in the country since proposed solutions to the present situation vary from those who advocate construction of a 2,000 mile fence along the U.S-Mexico border and criminalization of any group/individual who aids undocumented immigrants to a structured process whereby those in the country without criminal backgrounds can obtain working permits in the short-term and eventual citizenship in the long-term. The response, in turn, from the Latino population in the country (documented and undocumented) and advocacy groups has been swift and loud. A series of marches and public demonstrations with participation in the thousands have been organized in major cities across the country. These groups have called for a major demonstration on May 1 encouraging the Latino population, and immigrants in general, to stay away from work and from purchases of any type. The “Day Without Immigrants” boycott as it has become known, has gained such momentum that sympathetic groups at the international level are also calling for a boycott of U.S.-owned companies/products in other countries.
POLICY STATEMENT
Given this situation the Laredo Chamber of Commerce adopts the following:
• It urges members of Congress not to confuse Border Security with Immigration Reform. Whereas it is imperative that our borders be protected from the infiltration of terrorists and/or criminal elements (e.g., drug traffic), and procedures must be established to control this through the Department of Homeland Security, legislation to address the issue of undocumented immigrants must be considered separately.
• It supports legislation which would avoid disruption to our labor force. In particular, and in line with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Laredo Chamber supports the issuance “of temporary visa programs for essential workers” (those not in jobs that displace U.S. workers), the creation of “paths to permanent residence for these workers when appropriate,” and the providing of a process “to earn legal status for the millions of undocumented workers already in the U.S.”
• It discourages any legislation or policy by the federal government that creates unnecessary hindrances or any form of discrimination towards Hispanics and other immigrant populations and/or, more importantly, endangers lives.
• The Laredo Chamber of Commerce wholeheartedly supports the right of every American to express their opinion in a responsible and peaceful manner. It, furthermore, pledges solidarity with immigrant workers and advocacy groups in the United States, and supports efforts of these groups to voice their sentiments in a peaceful, lawful and orderly fashion. The Laredo Chamber does not advocate any activity that would have a negative impact on the local and/or national economy or that would result in the imposition of penalties against those who choose to form part of those activities.
SECOND STATEMENT (Long Term)
The Laredo Chamber of Commerce acknowledges that –
1) Migration is a core value in America, one that has shaped and benefited North American countries. The United States is a country whose history and heritage are the product of the blending of immigrant populations.
2) Undocumented immigrants constitute, at minimum, 5 percent of the labor force. With an overall national unemployment rate of 4.9 percent, it stands clear that this group fills a needed void in the labor force equation.
Cognizant of these assumptions, the Laredo Chamber of Commerce urges the United States Congress to seriously consider Immigration Reform legislation that includes the issuance of temporary visa programs for essential workers. It further proposes that a structured program for the processing of documented labor be established.
Given Laredo’s proximity to Mexico and its privileged overland infrastructure, it should be recognized that the city provides an already established “center” for processing labor candidates into and out of the country.SITUATION ANALYSIS
The U.S. Congress is presently considering legislation to address Immigration Reform. This topic has generated much controversy in the country since proposed solutions to the present situation vary from those who advocate construction of a 2,000 mile fence along the U.S-Mexico border and criminalization of any group/individual who aids undocumented immigrants to a structured process whereby those in the country without criminal backgrounds can obtain working permits in the short-term and eventual citizenship in the long-term. The response, in turn, from the Latino population in the country (documented and undocumented) and advocacy groups has been swift and loud. A series of marches and public demonstrations with participation in the thousands have been organized in major cities across the country. These groups have called for a major demonstration on May 1 encouraging the Latino population, and immigrants in general, to stay away from work and from purchases of any type. The “Day Without Immigrants” boycott as it has become known, has gained such momentum that sympathetic groups at the international level are also calling for a boycott of U.S.-owned companies/products in other countries.
POLICY STATEMENT
Given this situation the Laredo Chamber of Commerce adopts the following:
• It urges members of Congress not to confuse Border Security with Immigration Reform. Whereas it is imperative that our borders be protected from the infiltration of terrorists and/or criminal elements (e.g., drug traffic), and procedures must be established to control this through the Department of Homeland Security, legislation to address the issue of undocumented immigrants must be considered separately.
• It supports legislation which would avoid disruption to our labor force. In particular, and in line with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Laredo Chamber supports the issuance “of temporary visa programs for essential workers” (those not in jobs that displace U.S. workers), the creation of “paths to permanent residence for these workers when appropriate,” and the providing of a process “to earn legal status for the millions of undocumented workers already in the U.S.”
• It discourages any legislation or policy by the federal government that creates unnecessary hindrances or any form of discrimination towards Hispanics and other immigrant populations and/or, more importantly, endangers lives.
• The Laredo Chamber of Commerce wholeheartedly supports the right of every American to express their opinion in a responsible and peaceful manner. It, furthermore, pledges solidarity with immigrant workers and advocacy groups in the United States, and supports efforts of these groups to voice their sentiments in a peaceful, lawful and orderly fashion. The Laredo Chamber does not advocate any activity that would have a negative impact on the local and/or national economy or that would result in the imposition of penalties against those who choose to form part of those activities.
|
 |
HELPFUL TOOLS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
