By: Ashmar Mandou

Local officials held a press conference on Tuesday to warn undocumented business owners to be prepared in case of deportations in the coming weeks. Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García, State Representative Lisa Hernandez and members of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce gathered at La Parra Restaurant in Berwyn Tuesday morning in an effort to equip the undocumented of their rights and are protected from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

“The work of educating our immigrant family members and neighbors has helped protect them from mass deportation efforts that strike at the very heart of our country’s founding principles,” Hernandez said. “But more has to be done to protect workers and immigrant owned businesses from raids to come. I’m proud to be partnering with the IHCC and our local small businesses to emphasize basic protective measures and the fundamental truth that America welcomes immigrants wanting a better life, not ripping parent from child.” There are over 140,000 Hispanic businesses in Illinois. From the kitchen to the bar, immigrant business owners make up nearly a quarter of self-employed individuals in Illinois, pumping almost $3 billion into the economy, according to the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. But, not all owners have plans to keep their businesses going if they are deported.

“Those businesses that are facing those challenges are going to continue because they are resilient like all immigrants are,” said Raul Raymundo, president and CEO of the Resurrection Project. The Hispanic Chamber and others are offering a free program, providing owners with preparation tools in case they are deported. The tools are not just for owners living in the U.S. without legal permission, but also for owners with citizenship that employ those living in the U.S. without legal permission. For more information about the tools and free programs, visit www.ihccbusiness.net.

Photo Credit: Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce