[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 57 (Tuesday, April 2, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IMMIGRANT CONTRIBUTIONS TO NEW JERSEY

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Sires) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SIRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the hard work and dedication 
of immigrant communities across New Jersey and across this country.
  Earlier this month, the New Jersey Policy Perspective issued a report 
confirming something we have known for a long time in my district and 
in New Jersey: immigrants continue to serve as the backbone of Main 
Street.
  Immigrants make up 22 percent of the total State population, and 
immigrants own 47 percent of Main Street businesses. Immigrant 
communities own 81 percent of household maintenance services, 79 
percent of laundry businesses, and nearly 50 percent of child care 
centers and clothing stores. According to the study, immigrants 
contribute $4.4 billion a year to just the New Jersey economy, 
employing thousands and driving economic growth.
  This study is just another reminder that toxic rhetoric against 
immigration is a misguided attack against our neighbors, our teachers, 
our firefighters, and local shop owners. As a first generation 
American, I can attest firsthand to the grit and determination needed 
to succeed in this country. These brave families sacrifice everything 
to work hard in America and provide opportunities for their loved ones.
  Supporting immigrant communities is the right thing to do to advance 
American values and boost job growth across the country.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say thank you to the immigrants working 
hard across the State of New Jersey and across this country.

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