Rep. Cisneros Co-Leads Legislation to Protect Immigration Rights for Main Street
WASHINGTON — Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-31) joined Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez (NY-07) and Congresswoman Analilia Mejia (NJ-11) in co-leading the introduction of the Businessowner Immigration Rights and Responsibilities Information Act (BIRRIA) of 2026, legislation requiring the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create and distribute “know-your-rights” materials for small business owners and employees.
As small businesses across the country face challenges associated with the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign, this bill closes the knowledge gap that exists around workers’ immigration rights.
“Immigrants are twice as likely to start a business than native born citizens. Their contributions are essential to growing our economy,” said Rep. Cisneros. “The Trump administration continues to deny immigrant entrepreneurs their basic Constitutional rights and sow fear and confusion in our communities by using ICE to attack and intimidate the immigrant workforce that is crucial to so many small businesses. This bill will ensure they are all aware of their full legal protections. The SBA should be the first place small business owners can turn to for guidance.”
“Small business owners should not need a law degree to protect their rights when ICE shows up at their door,” said Ranking Member Velázquez. “The Trump administration is counting on fear and confusion to curtail the rights of American entrepreneurs. This bill makes sure Main Street businesses know their rights and can protect their livelihoods and their employees.”
BIRRIA is endorsed by Small Business Majority, the United States Hispanic Business Council, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Main Street Alliance, and Asian Americans Advancing Justice.
Full text of the bill can be found here.
Rep. Cisneros is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure, and on the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations. He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and serves on its leadership team as the Freshman Representative.
###