Last week, I had a conversation with someone in the banking industry. They mentioned a growing trend—customers, particularly Hispanic account holders using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), were pulling large sums of money out of their bank accounts. For those unfamiliar, an ITIN is issued by the IRS to individuals who aren’t eligible for a Social Security Number but still need to comply with U.S. tax laws.
Curious, I asked why this was happening. The answer was twofold. First, many individuals are withdrawing funds to ensure immediate access in case of emergencies. Second, and more troubling, is a growing fear that new or unclear enforcement actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could somehow lead to their assets being frozen or seized—or worse, that their banking information could expose them to risk.
Those same fears are rippling through other industries as well. I spoke with a contractor in the greater Los Angeles area who shared how difficult it’s become to find labor and subcontractors. Workers are disappearing, projects are slowing, and uncertainty is mounting. He asked if NHCA could meet with some of his crew to help answer questions and offer guidance. I told him that while it’s difficult to calm fears without clear policy direction, I’d make it a priority to schedule a call with an immigration attorney or trusted resource center. Sometimes just having someone to talk to can make a world of difference.
It would be easy to place all the blame for this current atmosphere on President Trump or any other single administration. But the truth is, our nation hasn’t meaningfully addressed immigration reform since the Reagan era. We, the people, have allowed this issue to become a political football, passed from one Congress to the next without resolution.
A few years back at a NAHREP conference in Dallas, I had the chance to hear President George W. Bush speak. When asked about immigration, he admitted his disappointment that he wasn’t able to be part of the solution. He didn’t point fingers at either party, he held both accountable, and he was right to do so. Both sides have had their chance. Both have failed.
Regardless of how you voted last November, what we’re witnessing now is the result of years of inaction, politicization, and avoidance of a deeply human and economic issue.
Now is the time for business leaders to step up. Organizations like the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC) are working to build bipartisan support for common-sense immigration reform that strengthens our economy, supports workers, and reflects our values. If you believe in prosperity, stability, and the dignity of work—join the conversation. Call your elected officials. Lend your voice to a growing coalition of business, civic, and faith leaders who know that immigration reform isn’t just a political issue—it’s an economic imperative.