Congresswoman Luz Rivas Votes to Protect Immigrant Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29), the first Latina to represent California’s 29thCongressional District and the daughter of Mexican immigrants, voted against H.R. 2391, the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act, and H.R. 2966, the American Entrepreneurs First Act. These bills will harm immigrant small businesses and business owners in cities across the country.
“The two bills the House passed this week harm our local economies by targeting immigrant small businesses and our small business owners, threatening immigrants’ opportunities to pursue their version of the American Dream,” said Congresswoman Rivas. “Instead of celebrating the contributions of the immigrant community during Immigrant Heritage Month, House Republicans voted to take away key resources immigrants need to start their own businesses and contribute to their communities. I voted against these bills because we should be investing in the success of our local economies and small businesses across the country, not playing politics with their federal resources.”
Background:
H.R. 2931, the Save SBA from Sanctuary Cities Act directs the Small Business Administration (SBA) to relocate any SBA district, regional, or local offices away from localities with “sanctuary” jurisdictions, such as the state of California and the City of Los Angeles. H.R. 2931 passed the House by a vote of 211-199.
H.R. 2966, the American Entrepreneurs First Act, requires that applicants for SBA 7(a) and 504 program loans provide certification that the business applicant is wholly owned by U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawful residents. The bill defines ineligible persons for SBA loans to include asylees, refugees, and DACA recipients. H.R. 2966 passed the House by a vote of 217-190.
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