In Washington, DC The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) President and CEO, Michael L. Barrera, testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and International Law, urging Congress to “accept the support of the [USHCC] for comprehensive immigration reform, and for the STRIVE Act as a vehicle that accomplishes this goal.” The opportunity to speak at this hearing was of critical importance to the business community because of its impact on small business owners and employers.

“I appreciate the opportunity to testify before the subcommittee on behalf of the USHCC,” said Barrera, who presented USHCC Chairman of the Board, David Lizárraga’s written testimony. “Global economic integration is a fact of life. Labor jobs go where labor is available, and that is why we need to allow a steady and regulated stream of immigrant labor into our country.”

The “Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy (STRIVE) Act” contains most of the provisions of the bill that came out of the Senate Judiciary Committee last year with additional features added that would insure that the border security aspects of the bill were working before any legalization of the current undocumented population could begin. Additionally, a “touchback” provision was added requiring some undocumented immigrants to leave the country and re-enter before normalizing their status.

In his testimony, Barrera stressed the effects that local governments are causing by attempting to regulate immigration, as well as the legal complexities they pose for employers.

“The failure to pass comprehensive reform has also spurred a flood of conflicting, fragmented and often intolerant state and local ordinances on immigration,” said Barrera. “Comprehensive immigration reform is needed now if we are to put an end to the more than 1,400 state and local laws - most being hostile to small businesses and immigrants - that have been introduced or passed in the last two years.”

Barrera also urged Congress to consider the impact that immigration crack-downs have on Hispanic families. “As someone who works with both businesses and the Hispanic community, I also call on Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform for the sake of the countless families that are being ripped apart with every workplace raid,” added Barrera.

“This is not the time to close the door to others that dare to pursue the American Dream,” concluded Barrera. “We must lend a hand to the immigrant families that are here contributing to this nation’s strength and economy.”