Scores of immigrant-owned and operated businesses across Hudson County remained shuttered today, a show of unity in the face of the new president’s tough talk about people living illegally in the United States.
Officials with the Hispanic American Commerce Association (HACA) said that 250 of its member businesses were closed today, which was dubbed “Day Without Immigrants.” Across the country, immigrants, both legal and illegal, did not go to work. There were demonstrations in many major cities.
“What we want to do is create awareness about how important that immigrant community is to the United States,” said Elvin Domenici, general secretary of HACA.
Hudson County is one of the most diverse counties in the nation, with mom-and-pop businesses serving its small neighborhoods. Many of the businesses that participated today are bodegas and small restaurants.
President Trump’s controversial travel ban may have taken the focus off immigration, but HACA President Hipolito Ovalles wants people to remember that Trump made election promises to build a wall and deport illegal immigrants.
“People are very concerned and scared,” Ovalles said. “There are reports that people are being stopped (by immigration agents) at train stations and airports. We must stand together as hard-working businesses that serve the community. The way Trump is promoting and establishing the law is not the right way. … We have to make sure he does what’s best for the country.”
The show of solidarity will likely do little to sway the president, but Ovalles felt it was necessary.
“The United States is a nation of immigrants and we are the backbone of the U.S. economy,” he said. “We are here today to support our friends and families who are afraid of Trump’s policies against immigrants. They’re honest. They show up to work every day. You’ve got to judge people by the content of their heart, not the color of their skin.”
According to a Partnership for a New American Economy, more than 40 percent of Fortune 500 companies have been founded by immigrants and their children, HACA officials said.
But not all businesses took part in the demonstration.
La Conga, an immigrant-owned supermarket in Downtown Jersey City, remained open today. Carlos Campos, the store’s manager, said he did not want to offer any opinion on recent actions taken by Trump targeting illegal immigration.
Keeping La Conga open was a business decision, Campos said.
“A business has to be a business every day,” he said.
Campos said he told the store’s seven workers they could stay home if they wanted to.
Earlier this month, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop signed an executive order declaring the city a “sanctuary city” for illegal immigrants. The order barred city cops from honoring detainer requests from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement; prohibited immigration and border protection agents from accessing city facilities or property without a warrant; and more.
Journal Staff Writer Terrence T. McDonald contributed to this report.
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