FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 7, 2004 Contact: Joseph Ortiz Director of Communications Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (602) 279-1800 Josepho@azhcc.com ARIZONA HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TAKES STAND ON GUEST WORKER PROGRAM PHOENIX, AZ – The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has taken a bold stand on the Guest Worker Program issuing tenets through its Public Policy Committee. The Guest Worker Program would allow for people from other countries to come into the United States to work. “We feel strongly that the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce needs to take a stand on issues that face the Hispanic community in Arizona,” said Harry Garewal, President and CEO. “That is why we created the Public Policy Committee so that they can provide the voice for the chamber on these important issues”. Garewal added that the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce supports a three-prong approach which includes procurement, public policy and education. “We feel that our three-prong approach focuses on those areas that are of importance to our membership,” stated Garewal. “Our Public Policy Committee will be keeping a keen eye on issues related to small business, economic development and Hispanic and minority issues”. The tenets as provided by the Public Policy Committee are as follows: WHEREAS, positive working relationships between our international neighbors will benefit the State of Arizona and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, we believe a workable federal guest worker program will: Enhance the employer’s ability to know their employees. Inform employees that they have legal access to employment. Create a consistent and therefore less costly mechanism to verify an employee’s legal status. Legitimize the currently undocumented labor pool. Increase the availability of a more diverse workforce. Establish a level playing field in business, thereby reducing unfair advantages businesses may have from exploiting undocumented workers. THEREFORE, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce proposes the following tenets as paramount to any guest worker program: To create family unity, inclusion of a “family class” program whereby the immediate family is considered one unit. To create a “student class” program whereby dependants and children of guest workers may attend school in the United States. To ensure equal treatment for U.S. and foreign workers. To apply the “prevailing wage” standard. To allow a guest worker in good standing to apply for residency within 2-3 years. To create a system where it is equally convenient and cost effective to hire citizens and non-citizens. The Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (AZHCC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the efforts of the local business community, especially small business owners. Furthermore, the AZHCC provides a voice for Hispanic businesses in the Valley through advocacy efforts at the local, state and national level.