Thread: Local Businesses Prepare for A Day Without Immigrants

http://www.wbay.com/Global/story.asp?S=4834692

Local Businesses Prepare for A Day Without Immigrants
April 28, 2006, 04:21 PM
By Chris Duffy

This Monday is being declared "A Day Without Immigrants." Activitsts are urging immigrations all across the country to skip work, stay home from school, and avoid spending money on May 1st to demonstrate their importance to the U.S. economy.

Marches are planned in several large cities, including Milwaukee.

Organizers say the point isn't to cause hardship, just to be noticed. "They will not be getting their lawns landscaped or their grass cut. They will not be having their children be taken care of by undocumented nannies. Construction will halt across America," Juan Jose Gutierrez said.

Many unions and immigrant groups fear a backlash, and worry about losing jobs.

American Food Groups LLC says its Green Bay facility will operate as usual on Monday. The meat packing company says it supports preserving the rights and dignity of its workers but it's asking employees who wish to participate in events to do so during non-working hours. In a statement, American Foods said, "As a business we must remain focused on meeting the needs and requirements of our customers."

However, some businesses are closing for the day or allowing employees to take time off. Some business owners shut down last month when thousands of people marched through downtown Green Bay to oppose immigration bills in Congress. Some businesses plan to do the same thing Monday.

Maria Fraire has owned Maria's Restaurant in downtown Green Bay since 1994. She says in that time, almost every employee has been from Mexico. "They work hard and strong. They don't quit," said Fraire.

Immigrant employees work under her. She says that's the reason why she closes her business on days of local marches. Out of respect for her employees, she says, Monday Maria's will be closed.

"I feel obligated to the Latino people because they have given me a lot of support," she said.

Being one of about 40 Hispanic businesses in the city, Fraire says her restaurant isn't the only Green Bay business that will sacrifice a day's profit for the march.

"We're not interested in money. We're interested in making sure everybody is content and happy."

Fraire says she lived in the U.S. for 25 years before she became a legal citizen. She says she knows exactly what some hard-working Latinos are going through.

Fraire says she lived in the U.S. for 25 years before she became a legal citizen. She says she knows exactly what some hard-working Latinos are going through


25 years! Why bother becoming a citizen, when you have all the privledges without the hassle.

It's all spin. find the right quote from the right person and...voila!!


The media is painting an image and none of them ever took an art class.