Though people who plan to boycott businesses and skip work in
protest of immigration reform circling in Washington have their
hearts in the right place, the effort won’t hurt the people making
decisions at the capitol, but will punish average Americans and
small business owners unnecessarily.
Though people who plan to boycott businesses and skip work in protest of immigration reform circling in Washington have their hearts in the right place, the effort won’t hurt the people making decisions at the capitol, but will punish average Americans and small business owners unnecessarily.
Locally, the boycott doesn’t seem to have gathered much steam with county and city administrators stating they have little indication employees won’t clock in come Monday. We’re glad to see local political organizations are encouraging their members to request time off instead of just not showing up next week. And, we’re glad the local arm of the League of United Latin American Citizens have encouraged students to stay in school during the boycott.
The boycott is a PR stunt aimed to prove the effect immigrants have on the nation’s economy, but economists both near and far already recognize immigrants, legal or otherwise, contribute to our economy both as laborers and spenders. Hitting business owners in their pocket books and keeping workers away from their jobs won’t do anything to put pressure on lawmakers. Immigrants need their jobs – that’s what drew people to the country originally – and they need America’s businesses, residents, government and services.
It’s too bad the effort cannot take a more positive approach to drive their important message.
And, it’s disconcerting to see some local businesses such as Earthbound Farms – the largest employer in the county – planning to shut their business down on May 1 and make some employees work the preceding Sunday. In San Benito County where many Hispanics are religious, forcing them to work on the Sabbath contrary to the 10 Commandments is deplorable.
Protests at home and abroad have already made everyone in the U.S. aware of how immigrants feel about the proposed reforms. The overwhelming display of unity among immigrants touched many American citizens here at home and nationwide. Now the boycott risks driving away supporters when immigrants lash out at citizens who are powerless to control the Senate and Congress in this decision. Many residents may see it as an attempt to bite the hand that literally feeds.
Granted there are few issues as important as the proposed immigration reforms, but the old adage of catching more flies with honey seems incredibly relevant right now. What would immigrants, especially those in the country illegally, do if Americans targeted them for a day?
Building consensus is monumentally more important right now for immigrants seeking change. A display of economic force, especially after the President has said massive deportation is “just not going to work,” risks elevating the negativity on this crucial issue and destroying the support so many have worked to create.
