Dear IHCC Members, Partners, and Community Leaders,
Freedom of speech is the cornerstone of democracy. Now, more than ever, it is critical to make our voices heard and demand policies that recognize and protect the invaluable contributions of immigrants to this country. As President and CEO of the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, I am deeply concerned about the impact of the current Administration’s immigration policies—not only on individuals and families but also on the businesses and economic engines that drive our communities forward.
However, in times of uncertainty, we must unite and be innovative and strategic about what we seek to accomplish. While movements like ‘A Day Without Immigrants’ are intended to remind the nation of immigrants’ significant role in our nation’s economy, they can also have unintended consequences that may negatively impact our business community. From our discussions with IHCC members and business owners, the impact of the walkouts may include:
Workforce disruptions: Many Latino-owned businesses, especially in industries heavily reliant on immigrant labor, such as hospitality, food service, and construction, have reported significant workforce shortages on the days that protests or walkouts occur.
Revenue declines: Retail and restaurant owners have seen a 10-20 percent drop in foot traffic and daily revenue, which has exacerbated their cash flow and profit projections.
Long-term risks: Our biggest concern is the potential long-term impact on policy narratives. These protests, while well-intentioned, can fuel a counterproductive discourse that paints immigrants as disruptors rather than the $2.8 trillion economic powerhouse that they truly represent in the U.S. economy.
Latino-owned businesses are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. economy, generating over $800 billion in revenue annually and employing nearly 3 million workers nationwide. Here in Illinois, Hispanic-owned businesses contribute billions to our state’s GDP and are a key driver of job creation and innovation. We cannot afford to let narratives shift in ways that harm our economic standing.
We must double down on economic empowerment rather than stepping away from economic participation. The most effective way to make a lasting impact is by supporting Latino-owned businesses, ensuring storefronts stay open, and urging customers to prioritize spending at small businesses. When we control our economic power, we shape the policies that govern us.
At IHCC, we want to encourage everyone to support our small businesses. We urge you to spend your dollars there to keep our local economy moving forward.
We are proud of all the resources we provide our business owners and our advocacy efforts to push for pro-immigrant and pro-business policies that provide sustainable economic opportunities. If you are a business owner, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can guide you through these difficult times by connecting you with our business advisors and subject-matter experts. That’s our job. We are here for you.
Finally, please know that we respect those who protest. If businesses decide to close in solidarity, that is their decision, and we stand with them. However, we must also be conscientious about ensuring that the broader fight for immigrant rights does not result in unintended economic harm.
We ask our community to remain engaged beyond a single day of action. Our advocacy does not end with a walkout—it must continue in how we spend, hire, invest, and demand representation in the halls of power. Every dollar spent at a Latino-owned business strengthens our ability to shape economic policy, build generational wealth, and influence real legislative change.
The fight for immigrant rights is not just about protest—it is about power. Economic power is our most potent tool. Let’s use it wisely.
Sincerely,
Jaime di Paulo
President & CEO
Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce