Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County: Supports comprehensive immigration reform to drive economic growth

Contact: Julia Arata Fratta For Immediate Release

Telephone: (608) 698-6256

Email: president@camaralatinadecomercio.org

Immigrants are twice as likely to start businesses as native-born Americans

Madison, WI. The Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County announced today at their Enlace networking event at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club of its support of federal immigration policies that will create a pathway to U.S. citizenship for the estimated over 11 million aspiring Americans. “In Dane County, we have over 400 Latino-owned businesses. A majority of them are owned by immigrants who are contributing to our local economy” says Julia Arata Fratta, President, Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County. “The LCC is a pro-growth, pro-business and pro-immigrant organization and current immigration policies are suppressing economic activity.” Latino-owned businesses in Wisconsin had $2.4 billion in sales, and the state’s Latino population accounted for $6.2 billion in purchases, according to a study by the Immigration Policy Center.

The LCC also commends the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce for its public stance in support of immigration policies outlined by the Business for Skilled Worker Immigration Coalition. There are many highly-skilled individuals that graduate from UW-Madison or other institutions. However, due to our existing immigration policy these individuals return to their home countries, taking their creativity and ideas with them. “We want immigrants to see the Latino Chamber of Commerce as a resource and partner in making their entrepreneurial dreams a reality without their citizenship status getting in the way” says Arata Fratta.

About the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County:

The Latino Chamber of Commerce of Dane County is comprised of over 160 members. The LCC assists and partners with businesses to maximize economic development and job creation through advocacy and programs that generate success and value for our Latino and non-Latino business community. Since 2003, we have helped entrepreneurs start or grow their business through one-to-one consulting, educational workshops and networking opportunities to get them on path of financial success and stability.