ATLANTA—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez visited Atlanta today to discuss President Bush's plan for comprehensive immigration reform with local business leaders. In a roundtable discussion at a local Chick-fil-A restaurant, Gutierrez highlighted the role of immigration in the American economy and heard about why immigration reform is so important to the business community.
"President Bush's immigration reform plan is leadership, not amnesty. His comprehensive immigration reform proposal protects our borders, recognizes that we have jobs that Americans aren't available to do, and upholds our values as a nation of laws and a country of immigrants," said Gutierrez. "This approach will reduce illegal immigration and preserve America’s strong economic growth." Gutierrez was hosted by Chick-fil-A Founder and Chairman Truett Cathy, who discussed his company's example of assimilating a diverse workforce into its family of restaurants. Team Member Carlos Reyes and Restaurant Operator Alex Rodriguez also spoke at the event to share their experiences as first and second generation immigrants, respectively, with the chain. Chick-fil-A helps immigrant employees assimilate by offering them the chance to learn English with onsite tutors and through scholarships.
Other participants in the roundtable included Hugh Morton, President & CEO of Peachtree Homes, Inc.; Charles Hoff, General Counsel of the Georgia Restaurant Association; Stevan Porter, President of the Americas for the InterContinental Hotel Group; Fred West, Vice President of Amick Farms; Skeetter McCorkle, CEO of McCorkle Nurseries; and Terry Fox, CEO of Fox Building Company.
Earlier in the day, Gutierrez also addressed more than 40 Home Depot employees and members of the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility on immigration reform.
"Immigration is probably the top domestic social issue of our time, and it is a key to our future economic and social health," concluded Gutierrez.
Gutierrez and his family came to America from Cuba, and he became a naturalized citizen in 1966. He has recently visited numerous cities across America to hear from citizens and businesses about their thoughts on immigration and tell them about the Bush administration's proposals.
Source: U.S. Department of Commerce
