May 8, 2008 11:05 AM
Everyone has marvelled at the proliferation of Latino-owned businesses over the last two decades. Dying downtowns have been revitalized throughout Long Island by the explosion in shops and service centers catering to the immigrant community. If the anti-immigrant bill IR-1105 is passed by the Suffolk Legislature, this expansion will stop and many of these businesses will begin to die.
This is not idle rhetoric.
When similar laws were passed in Prince William County in Virginia, in Arizona, and Oklahoma last year, the economic impact was felt broadly, but nowhere more than among the small businesses operating directly in Latino communities.
If you are a Hispanic business owner, or if you have a store that serves a primarily Latino clientelle, be assured, your business will be hurt, perhaps even killed, if IR-1105 passes.
Come to the Legislature and speak out against this attack on your business' future.
Please pass this along to your local Latino business community.