Press Release

Gutierrez Hails Healthy Boost in Hiring

WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued the following statement on the May Employment Report that showed that 157,000 jobs were created in May and the unemployment rate was 4.5 percent.

“Today’s jobs report is great news for college graduates entering the job market. With over half a million new jobs added to the market this year alone, these new graduates are stepping into one of the hottest job markets in years.

“Today’s low unemployment rate of 4.5 percent shows we’re adding jobs at a healthy rate with low unemployment and strong wage growth. President Bush’s pro-growth policies have created jobs and helped American families build futures filled with hope and opportunity.

“In order for our economy to keep growing, we must enact comprehensive immigration reform. I urge members of Congress to seize this historic opportunity to work together toward a comprehensive bipartisan immigration solution that secures our borders and meets the needs of our tight labor market and growing economy.”