Secretary's Speech

U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez Remarks to National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts 10th Annual Banquet, "Noche de Gala"
Washington, D.C.

Good evening everyone. I am honored and extremely delighted to be here tonight celebrating Hispanic contributions to the entertainment industry.

Time of Great Opportunity
As Hispanic-Americans, as immigrants or descendents of immigrants, all of us here tonight have a life story to tell. And most of our stories involve seeking economic and political freedom.

My story is like many of yours. I came with my family from Cuba when I was six. We worked hard, learned English and benefited from the power of freedom.

I was very fortunate to have many people help me along the way. Some were role models like the people we're honoring tonight.

So, thank you, Jimmy Smits and Felix Sanchez, and all the others connected with the Foundation for 10 years of leadership in helping young people get an education, for giving them direction, for helping them along the way, for showing them that it can be done--that you can make it in this industry!!

And to John Singleton, Michael Peña and Wilmer Valderrama--thank you for seeing the value in working to tell the stories of not only Latinos, but all Americans.

Rising Role for Hispanic Americans
Hispanic Americans are playing an ever-expanding role in setting the direction of our country.

Politics

• You see it in Congress, with two dozen Hispanic-American members.
• In the Cabinet and throughout the Bush Administration, over 300 appointees.
• In city hall, at all levels of state and local government.
• Over 5,000 elected and appointed officials.

Population
But behind those numbers is a rising Hispanic-American current that grows stronger every year.

• Half of our Hispanic-Americans are under 27.
• One in five American children is of Hispanic origin.
• One in seven Americans is of Hispanic origin.
• The Hispanic growth rate is three times the national average.
• Hispanic-owned businesses are one of the fastest growing segments of our economy, growing 31 percent between 1997 and 2002--also three times the national average for all businesses.

Culture
And already in the culture and the arts, Latinos have had an enduring impact on our society. You see it in virtually every aspect of the culture. It's all over the place.

• Entertainment: We saw it tonight on the red-carpet.
• You see it on TV with telenovelas, which are increasingly affecting programming decisions.
• In music, some of today's hottest acts are Latino.
• In the news business: prominent journalists are Latino. (ABC's Elizabeth Vargas, PBS's Ray Suarez).
• In language, Spanish words are becoming part of everyday English usage, especially among the young.
• Food: It's the little things that often tell the big story--we taught America how to eat "hot!"
• Today salsa has beaten out ketchup as America's favorite condiment.
• Arroz con frijoles negros, platanos fritos....

One Challenge: Immigration
Despite this successful mingling of the cultures, there are difficult decisions that need to be made. Immigration is one of them.

And no matter where you stand on this issue, I think most of us would agree that it is the domestic social issue of our time. I believe we have an obligation to make immigration work.

President Bush has provided great leadership. He has called for comprehensive immigration reform.

• Secure the borders: this is a must for every nation.
• Acknowledge that immigrants have been doing jobs Americans aren't available to do.
• Labor shortages are forcing farmers (especially in California) and companies out of business.
• 12 million illegals: There is no way we're going to deport them. And what about their 3 million children?!
• Nation of immigrants: This is who we are. We cannot deny our roots. As a nation, we've been assimilating immigrants for 230 years.
• Walter Reed:
• Mexico
• Injured
• Recent Citizenship

Closing
Since our earliest days, different waves of immigrants have come to these shores, taking enormous risks but coming with great hopes for a new life.

The English, Irish, Germans, Poles, Italians, Chinese, Filipinos, Vietnamese and countless others--they've all come. And all have made their mark. All have made a significant difference.

Today, it's our turn. This is our time. Many of you here tonight are part of this Hispanic Wave, while some of us came before.

This wave brings great opportunity. And it will bring new energy and vitality to the country.

But it also brings great responsibility. Like all the others who have come before us, we need to commit to making a better society. We need to do our part, to become part of the mainstream, and to love this country.

And we need to do it with a great deal of passion.

So tonight, I appeal to you. . . .

Be leaders. Believe in this great country. Be an active part of it. Make it stronger. Make it even better.

I know we can do that. . . .

Thank you very much.

God bless.