Nearly 60 million Latinos in the United States represent $ 2.3 trillion in economic activity. By 2060, approximately 25% of the population will be Latinos.
WASHINGTON, DC.— Senator Bob Menéndez (DN.J.), the highest-ranking Latino in the United States Congress and the President of the Hispanic Senate Working Group, welcomed actress Eva today Longoria-Bastón, chef José Andrés and Latino leaders from across the country to the Latin Senate Summit of 2019. The event served to discuss the problems and challenges facing the Latino community in the era of the Trump presidency.
“The destiny of the Latin American community, with about 60 million people, is much more important for the future of our nation than this president’s hate policy,” said Senator Menéndez. “Generations of Latino immigrants have contributed to this country and to this day we are the greatest believers in the American dream. Today’s Latin Summit is about our future, our families, hopes, dreams, and the willingness to unite to face our problems and succeed as a community. ”
Senator Menéndez presented the actress and activist nominated for the Golden Globe Eva Longoria-Bastón, and chef José Andrés, owner of eighteen restaurants, two Michelin star recipient and founder of the World Central Kitchen, an NGO committed to providing food to communities devastated by natural disasters.
According to the Joint Economic Committee of Congress, nearly 60 million Latinos in the United States represent $ 2.3 trillion purchasing power, which alone would rank as the eighth largest economy in the world. By 2060, one in four people living in the United States will have some type of Hispanic heritage.
Senator Menéndez concluded the summit by highlighting the growing influence and achievements of the Latino community in the United States, and also shared a message of hope and unity to face future challenges for Hispanic Americans.
“We have every reason to have hope in our future. But we cannot take our success for granted, ”said Senator Menéndez. “We have to defend ourselves and make our voices heard. We have to fight for equal opportunities and justice for all. We cannot afford to remain silent. We cannot afford to be afraid. Let us choose hope over hate, dream of a future without fear and continue breaking barriers instead of building new walls. ”
Other speakers included the President and Legal Counsel of the Mexican American Fund for Legal Defense and Education (MALDEF) Thomas A. Sáenz; the president and executive director of Voto Latino, María Teresa Kumar; the president of the Hispanic Federation, José Calderón; and the Executive Director of DREAM Big Nevada, Astrid Silva.
The following Senators also participated in the summit: Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Catherine Cortez-Masto (D-Nev.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Udall ( DN.M.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.) And Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.).
