Bossier Chamber To Discuss Immigration Reform

Immigration reform is a hot topic across the country and the discussion will make its way right here to northwest Louisiana next week.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce will be visiting Bossier City to be part of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce's final installment of its Pancakes and Politics series.

Bossier Chamber President Lisa Johnson told 710 KEEL that immigration is a very important issue for northwest Louisiana with Bossier City "30 minutes from the Texas state line, many of these immigrants will come across the state border to bring their businesses to Louisiana and expand their businesses in Louisiana."

And the Hispanic population has been making its way to Bossier Parish.

"From the last census, Bossier Parish alone had a 130% percent increase in the Hispanic community in our area," explained Johnson.

With the debate continuing to brew in Washington, Johnson said the goal of Tuesday's event is to "make sure we understand what are the policies that are being made at the national level that are going to affect us."

And what is the U.S. Chamber's position on the matter?

"The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has already taken the position of supporting legislation that takes meaningful steps towards addressing critical immigration priority," responded Johnson.

The Pancake and Politics discussion will be Tuesday, December 10th, at 8 a.m. in the Bossier City Hilton Garden Inn.  It costs $25 to enter and will include breakfast.  You can reserve a seat on the Bossier Chamber's website or by calling (318) 746-0252.