Thread: Firms hurt by Ariz. crackdown

Firms hurt by Ariz. crackdown
Businesses losing customers as illegal immigrants flee from tough laws

PHOENIX — Until a few months ago, Ben’s Barber shop in central Phoenix was filled with Mexican, Salvadoran and Guatemalan clients seeking haircuts, tints and highlights.

Now barber Benjamin Portillo and his hairdresser wife Guadalupe stand behind the cash register in the empty shop waiting for customers to walk through the door.

“A lot of clients are saying their farewells, taking their kids out of school and leaving the state,â€

[quote]Hispanic business owners say the exodus is already hurting many who depend on illegal immigrants, from Spanish-speaking barbers like Portillo to Mexican supermarkets and firms offering financial services to Hispanics.

“Everyone is feeling the pinch; there is a real slowdown. People are not spending money … as they don’t know what’s going to happen,â€