American Business Immigration Coalition Action, Nevada Hispanic Business Group, Community Leaders Rally in Support of the Dignity Act
Las Vegas, NV – Today, a coalition of Nevada business and Hispanic leaders hosted a press conference in Las Vegas to advocate for federal immigration reforms that would allow long-term, law-abiding immigrants to obtain work permits and legal status. The event, convened by the American Business Immigration Coalition Action (ABIC Action), Comité de 100, and the Nevada Hispanic Business Group (NHBG), highlighted how immigrants are instrumental to Nevada’s prosperity and economic resilience.
Speakers at the event pointed to public polling that reveals strong bipartisan support for pragmatic immigration solutions, such as those laid out in the Dignity Act and other critical legislation including the DREAM Act and Farm Workforce Modernization Act. They called on Congress to act quickly to pass legislation that strengthens border security while providing pathways for long-term immigrants, including DREAMers, to achieve legal status and remain in their communities.
In Nevada, immigrants comprise nearly a quarter of the workforce, contributing over $20 billion annually to the economy. The speakers drew attention to the economic benefit of immigration reform, and underscored the personal impact that overreaching immigration enforcement is having on communities all over the state.
To view a recording of the press conference, click here.
Enrique Sanchez, Intermountain State Director, ABIC Action:
“At its core, this conversation is about dignity. Our country is divided. Unity requires action, recognizing the long-term immigrants, the people who have worked hard, paid taxes, raised families, and contributed to our economy for years; yet we still live without legal certainty. Providing a legal process and work permits for long-term, law-abiding immigrants is not only smart policy, it’s the right thing to do.”
Laura Nowlan, President, Nevada Hispanic Business Group:
“From hospitality to construction, these workers are the backbone of our industries, yet they’re living in fear every day, despite paying taxes and contributing to our communities. That is not only unjust, it’s unstable for our economy. It’s time for our government officials to work together to help stabilize our workforce and pass some type of immigration reform. Undocumented immigrants contribute billions in taxes and consumer spending without our workforce, businesses close, prices rise, and entire communities suffer. Nevada families would feel that impact immediately, just like we’re feeling it now, right?”
Janile Baker, Controller, Baker Ranches:
“73% of agricultural workers are Hispanic, and 66% are non-citizen immigrants. They’re skilled, experienced, and essential. Without them, our farms cannot function at the level needed to feed our country. It is important to me that people also understand these are not just our employees. They’re part of our community. They’re our friends, our families, and it’s important that we don’t just look at them as ‘other’. Labor shortages have already contributed to a nearly 39% spike in vegetable prices; costs that are passed directly to the consumer. Immigration reform isn’t just about farmers. It’s about keeping food affordable for every American family.”
Javier E. Otero, National Hispanic Construction Alliance:
“Americans feel the impact when the Hispanic community is being affected by the current situation in our country. Mass deportation and immigration overreach has already disrupted local communities and hurt local business and workers. Immigration reform could add $1.7 trillion to the U.S. GDP over the next decade and ensure that we stay competitive and effective as an industry. That’s what we believe, that the Dignity Act is vital to the legal process, to help long-term, law-abiding immigrants to stay in this country.”