Editor: Anayana White, Head of Communications
Building a Sustainable Democracy of the People, by the People, for the People
“Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
– Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
Democracy thrives and is defined by the consent and participation of its people. What we’re witnessing across the country—from LA to communities nationwide—reveals the consequences when democratic institutions fail to represent the will of the people they serve. The resulting unrest and hunger for meaningful change signal a democracy under strain.
Yet sustainable change requires engagement that extends far beyond protests and into the boardrooms, supply chains, and economic decisions that shape our society.
America’s economic future depends on immigration reform that reflects our highest values. For businesses, this isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s an economic necessity. Our workforce, innovation capacity, and competitive advantage all rely on comprehensive, humane immigration policies that serve as the foundation of a resilient economy.
Mass deportation is not a policy—it’s a guaranteed economic disaster. Small businesses are already feeling the impact, with 20% reporting employee losses due to immigration crackdowns. We need policies that allow undocumented and Temporary Protective Status immigrants to earn permanent legal status, creating stability for both workers and employers.
The federal government must be held accountable for revenue losses to small businesses caused by deportation-fear campaigns, illegal deportations, and threatened mass deportation efforts. These actions destabilize our economy and undermine the businesses that drive American prosperity.
The voice of business carries unique power in this moment. Business leaders speak a universal language that transcends political divisions: economic impact, workforce stability, and market growth. When you document and share how current policies affect your operations and your workers, you provide lawmakers and media with the stories and concrete data they need to understand the real-world consequences of immigration enforcement.
Your story matters. If your business has been affected, speak up–We can help! Share the specific impacts, from workforce disruptions to supply chain challenges to community economic effects and beyond. These testimonials help policymakers understand that immigration policy isn’t abstract—it’s about the real businesses and communities that drive American prosperity.
Protect your business and your people. As policy changes unfold, take immediate steps to safeguard your operations and workforce. Access resources for legal compliance, worker protection, and continuity planning. Visit the National Immigrant Justice Center, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and the Immigration Advocates Network. For resources more geared toward supporting immigrant workers and their communities, visit the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the National Day Labor Organizing Network and Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center. See also the comprehensive business resources and guidance found in this Venturize blog, including the National Immigration Law Center’s A Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace.
Lead the change you want to see. Sustainable businesses have always understood that long-term success requires investing in the communities and systems that support us all. This moment demands that the same forward-thinking leadership be applied to our democratic institutions. We need your leadership and the voice of sustainable business today more than ever. Your engagement, your voice, and your leadership in this moment will shape the economic and democratic landscape for generations to come.
Together, we’re not just protecting our businesses—we’re investing in the people and the democracy that makes them possible. Join ASBN in being part of the solution. Read ASBN’s statement and tell your story today.
