WASHINGTON,, March 5, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), the country's largest Hispanic business association, commends Verizon for supporting bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform. Yesterday, Lowell McAdam, Chairman and CEO of Verizon Communications, sent a letter to the U.S. Senate's Group of Eight asking them to consider the high costs of existing policy. Writing to Senators Bennet (D–CO), Durbin (D–IL), Flake (R–AZ), Graham (R–SC), McCain (R–AZ), Menendez (D–NJ), Rubio (R–FL), and Schumer (D–NY), McAdam showed that our country's broken immigration system stifles human capital, decreases productivity, and costs the private sector precious resources.
"The USHCC views comprehensive immigration reform as an economic imperative," said USHCC President and CEO Javier Palomarez. "I commend Verizon for underscoring the importance of a sensible immigration policy. As one of the world's largest telecommunications and technology companies, Verizon has a unique voice and plays a critical role in our national debate about this issue."
Verizon joins other major American companies, like Coca-Cola, Google, Oracle, Facebook, Walt Disney, and Marriott, who have also expressed support for comprehensive immigration reform. A longstanding member of the USHCC, Verizon is a member of the organization's Million Dollar Club, which recognizes significant investments in Hispanic businesses. In 2012, Verizon contracted over $1 billion with minority suppliers and over $250 million with Hispanic vendors alone, making them one of the country's leading companies in maintaining a diverse supply chain.
"Passing immigration reform this year will require the support of our country's leading corporate citizens," said USHCC Chairman of the Board Marc Rodriguez. "Once again, Verizon has illustrated visionary leadership and forward-thinking on the importance of the Hispanic business community. We are thrilled to have them as allies on this issue, and the USHCC is hopeful more business leaders will follow suit."
About the USHCC
Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of over 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses across the United States that contribute in excess of $465 billion to the American economy each year. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers and business associations in the United States and Puerto Rico. For more information, visit www.ushcc.com.