An Important Message fromChairman Fuentes

The new year has brought with it a lot of change, just as much uncertainty, fear coupled with a flurry of information, misinformation and conflicting reports on issues of critical importance to our Association members.

Immigration, Migrant Documentation, Deportation, Elimination of DEI programs (Diversity, Equality and Inclusion) and Tariffs ... each topic headlines our daily media as well as bears impact to our daily lives in family and business.

The USHCA was recently requested to provide a White Paper (a detailed, research based document and analysis of complex issue(s) which offers a specific perspective and/or solutions from the author/organization) on the issues of immigration and migrant documentation.

We were pleased our paper was well received. The recipients recognized the merits of our analysis and recommendations based upon a pragmatic and realistic approach to the co-related elements encompassed in the catch-all topic of “immigration”. 

Our research on a national level was extensive although we focused primarily on the statistics of our home state of Texas. We perceive we identified areas of immediate focus, some that could secondarily be addressed as well as enhancements to the lengthy timelines for obtaining EB2 Visa approvals.

I wanted our membership to know the leadership of the USHCA has continued to work on the national U.S. level as well as having formed relationships at the leadership levels of Mexico. We continue to stay focused on the issue of immigration as well as on the potential tariffs which may be levied upon goods and supplies we obtain from Mexico and Canada. We are formulating a verbal position platform to express our views, concerns and rationale for maintaining trade relationships between our three countries.

The USHCA will continue to stay on the fore-front of these issues, maintain established open communication channels with relevant officials on both sides of the borders, and work diligently to protect the contributions our members, families and friends have brought to the U.S.

While I urge each of you to remain focused on your families and businesses and to not entrap yourselves in the alarmists that escalate the situation with rhetoric lacking substance and facts, I also urge anyone with specific concerns or questions to please not hesitate to contact us.