Survey shows Sunset Park businesses feel impact of immigration enforcement fears
The study, which was recently discussed by the city council, showed that 80% of Sunset Park businesses that were surveyed said that they felt the impact of federal immigration enforcement.
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A new survey found that businesses in Sunset Park feel impacted by the fear of federal immigration enforcement in the mostly immigrant community.
“Business is down,” said David Estrada, executive director of the Sunset Park BID. “Foot traffic is reduced. People who are shopping are shopping just a little bit less.”
The study, which was recently discussed by the city council, showed that 80% of Sunset Park businesses that were surveyed said that they felt the impact of federal immigration enforcement.
That was compared to 30% of businesses across the borough.
“I have a lot of problems with the immigration [enforcement], and a lot of people are scared,” said Carolina, who manages a Guatemalan restaurant.
She told News 12 that she lost about 40% of her business.
“Everybody doesn’t want to go out,” said Carolina. “Everybody doesn’t want to go to work.”
But Estrada said that one cannot pinpoint an exact percentage of how the fear of immigration enforcement plays a role, because there are other factors, including rising costs for mom-and-pop shops.
“On a good day, [small businesses are] just barely making it,” said Estrada.
He added that neither consumers nor employers can live in fear.
“Be cautious and aware, stay well informed, be prepared, and go about your life because you can’t stop living,” said Estrada.
