Immigration Reform Already Affecting Hispanic Businesses

House Bill 1804, Oklahoma's sweeping immigration reform bill, does not go into effect until November. Still, Hispanic business owners in Tulsa say it has already had a devastating affect on their

Monday, August 27th 2007, 9:00 pm

By: News On 6

House Bill 1804, Oklahoma's sweeping immigration reform bill, does not go into effect until November. Still, Hispanic business owners in Tulsa say it has already had a devastating affect on their community's economy. This past weekend, Hispanic community leaders claimed that, fearing the effects of 1804, as many as 25,000 Hispanics have already left Oklahoma. The News On 6â€™s Chris Wright reports while there is no way to prove whether or not that is true, business owners say they have some evidence that points to a mass exodus.

Que Buena, a Hispanic radio station, says fewer and fewer advertisers are opting to pay for spots during their commercial breaks. The companies, some of whom have advertised with Que Buena for 10 years, have told the station that the commercials simply aren't worth it anymore.

"The reason for that is they've seen a low attendance and low traffic for their business," Que Buena general manager Maria De Leon said.

Que Buena believes that's because thousands of potential customers have already left Tulsa. The station says while Hispanic businesses will be the first hurt by the exodus, it will eventually take a toll on the entire city.

"It will not just affect the Hispanic community, it will affect Tulsa economically," said De Leon.

Also already affected by House Bill 1804 is Las Americas, Tulsa's largest Hispanic grocery store chain.

"It's pretty bad since it passed. I believe we've lost at least 20 percent of our business," said Las Americas owner Antonio Perez.

Antonio Perez estimates that 20 percent loss translates to about $200,000 a month. He had planned to open four more stores, but says he can no longer afford to. He also worries that things will only get worse come November 1st.

"When it takes affect we're going to see a major drop in business again,â€ Perez said. â€œI don't know, we might close down the doors, I don't know."

We did speak with IRON, Immigration Reform for Oklahoma Now. They say they have little sympathy for businesses they say cater to illegal aliens.

Watch the video: Hispanic Businesses Say They're Already Suffering From HB 1804

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3/5/2007 Green Country Hispanics Fight New Immigration Bill

4/3/2007 Controversial Immigration Bill Closer To Becoming Law

4/16/2007 State Senate Approves Sweeping Immigration Legislation

4/19/2007 Hispanics Speak Out Against Immigration Legislation

5/1/2007 State House Sends Immigration Reform Bill To The Governor

5/1/2007 Hispanic Leaders Say State Immigration Bill Will Not Work

5/2/2007 Governor Henry Still Undecided On Immigration Reform Bill

5/8/2007 Governor Signs Sweeping Immigration Reform Bill

5/8/2007 Controversial Immigration Bill Signed Into Law

5/9/2007 Local Business Could See A Boost Thanks To A New Immigration Law

5/9/2007 Immigration Law Creates New Rules For Oklahoma Employers

5/22/2007 Tulsa City Council Mulls Immigration Plan

5/24/2007 Still No Decision In Tulsa Immigration Plan

5/25/2007 City Council Passes New Immigration Ordinance

5/31/2007 Key Officials Meet To Discuss The City's Immigration Policy

6/2/2007 Debate Continues On Immigration Reform

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