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by Pete Edwards

A group representing illegal immigrants are calling for solidarity of the more than 40

million Latinos in the United States to boycott American businesses that fail to openly support immigration reform to allow a path to legalization. It is estimated there are 12 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S.. The group, calling themselves Taxpayers for Immigration Reform, based in Milwaukee, have initiated the national campaign to begin on September 17.

Nelson Goodson, representing Taxpayers for Immigration Reform and editor of the Milwaukee Hispanic newspaper, El Conquistador said,  the group advocates for Latinos throughout the country to engage in the financial management of their economic purchasing power to influence immigration reform.

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He said, "on September 17, support our community by beginning to buy from Latino businesses and businesses that are willing to post a sign supporting immigration reform in plain view, or nationally advertises their support and certify by displaying proof of letters sent to their congressmen/women and their U.S. Senators asking for support and passage of a comprehensive immigration reform bill."

Americans rejected recent legislation proposed by the Bush Administration aimed at granting amnesty to the illegal population already in the country. There was such

a groundswell of objections that the legislation crashed and burned despite efforts to rush it through Congress. Fears are running high that granting amnesty will further dilute the already un-enforced federal immigration laws creating a virtual open border policy and loss of national sovereignty.

Goodson said, "it's time to begin spending our money where we are welcome and respected as immigrants who do contribute millions of dollars to our economy. Businesses and multi-billion corporations spend millions of dollars in advertising trying to persuade us to buy their products, even though they might not contribute adequate resources to our communities.  Well, it's about time for us to see how committed they are to our communities. They should take a stand and support immigration reform, since the 12 million of undocumented immigrants and taxpayers do spend their hard earn money on their products and goods."

"Even by a conservative estimate, undocumented immigrants alone spend $100 billion a year in ways that supports millions of jobs in their local economies. Many industries, ranging from banks and groceries to car dealers and shopping malls, have heavily invested in multicultural marketing, such as advertisements in the native languages of prospective customers, including specialty ethnic items in their businesses .... I believe they have earned their legalization" Goodson said.

Those opposed to unfettered immigration argue that opening the borders and offering legal status to previously illegal immigrants will increase unemployment for the indigenous population, especially in the lower paying jobs market, which will hurt blacks disproportionately, neutralizing years of affirmative action and government initiatives to improve job opportunities for African Americans.

It is too early to assess the response of American business to the demands of Taxpayers for Immigration Reform but  they will likely have more success with the multi-national companies than with primarily American businesses. The boycott could also enrage Americans to the point of conducting their own boycott of  participating businesses.
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