Dear IHCC Community,
As America prepares to celebrate another 4th of July—our nation’s independence, freedom, and promise—it’s important to acknowledge that for many Latinos this year, the celebration feels hollow.
Across the country, fear and uncertainty are rising in Latino communities due to the aggressive implementation of immigration policies, threats of mass deportations, and a resurgence of anti-immigrant rhetoric. Families are living in the shadows. Children are afraid their parents won’t return home from work. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are second-guessing whether to open their doors. This is not the freedom we celebrate.
The ripple effect of these policies does not stop at the doorstep of Latino households. It reaches deep into every corner of our economy. Latinos make up a massive share of the American workforce. We build homes, care for children, run small businesses, staff essential industries, and keep communities vibrant. Yet we do not control our supply chains. We do not own the infrastructure that moves goods, stocks shelves, or powers e-commerce. That means the economic pain our community feels doesn’t stay isolated—it impacts every company that does business with us.
Every customer that walks into a Latino-owned business supports a wider web of economic activity. When fear chokes that flow, we all suffer. Sales decline, jobs disappear, and trust erodes.
This 4th of July, while fireworks may still light up the skies, many Latino families will remain indoors, fearful rather than festive. We are proud Americans. We believe in the promise of this country. But today, we are grieving—not because we do not love this nation, but because we believe it can do better.
Freedom should not be conditional. Opportunity should not depend on your accent. And this holiday, we urge all Americans to reflect on what liberty really means—for everyone.
Sincerely,
Jaime di Paulo
IHCC President & CEO