Javier Palomarez: It’s All in the Numbers: The Impact of SB1070 We Cannot Ignore

By Javier Palomarez

President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The national debate over the Arizona immigration bill, known as SB 1070, continues to rage, often with emotionally-charged criticism from both sides of the argument debating the value of such legislation.  Emotional responses, although understandable, have not been able to sway the opposing camps into an agreement.  Thus, it has become evident that a tie breaker, far removed from accusations of racism or harboring illegal activity, is needed to move this conversation forward.

The tie-breaker? The Numbers.  Not population numbers or poll numbers, but the numbers that tell the tale of the financial impact.  What are the implications of this bill when examined purely from an economic perspective? Is this good for business?

Consider the following:   According to a recently-released report by the Center for American Progress, which looks at the impact SB 1070 has had on Arizona’s economy, the numbers are staggering and incomprehensible to all of us who are in the business of promoting business.

Current and projected losses from conference cancellations as a result of SB 1070 include:

-          $388 million in lost economic output

-          $217 million in lost spending by convention attendees

-          $133 million in lost earnings

-          $14.4 million in lost tax revenue

-          4,236 jobs lost

Frightening numbers, whether you read them in English or Spanish.  As President and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, an organization that represents the interests of nearly three million Hispanic owned businesses and works through a network of over two hundred local chambers nationwide, laws such as this defy logic. In fact, it is becoming clearer every day that the devastating effects of SB 1070 demonstrate just how detrimental this type of legislation is for business in Arizona and the rest of America.  Simply stated, Arizona cannot afford these kinds of laws – and neither can any other state.

It is clear that SB 1070 gets in the way of the progress and collaboration required to succeed in the reality of an increasingly diverse America. The USHCC opposes SB 1070 and denounces the unforgivable economic effects of such legislation on our nation’s economy, jobs and families.

The last thing I want is for my home state, or any other state, to go through what Arizona has endured.  When you examine the issue purely from a financial standpoint, the answer is clear. The numbers say it all…this law is not in the best interest of our nation’s recovering economy.

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