Latino Leaders Call for Action Matching Their Civic Power!
Latino leaders stressed housing as a keypoint.
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY LAW CENTER AT NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY — May 7, 2026 — By Manuela Gaviria
Latino families work, start businesses, vote, and sustain entire communities in New Jersey. Yet, many continue to live with economic pressures that do not reflect their effort or their contribution to the state.
That was the reality that marked a recent meeting convened by UnidosUS at the New Jersey Law Center, where nearly 60 community leaders, advocates, and allies gathered to discuss solutions. Among the participants were representatives from the offices of U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim, and Congressman Frank Pallone. The meeting began with video messages from Booker and Pallone’s offices, demonstrating a clear federal interest in listening to the Latino community in New Jersey.
As the conversation progressed, one theme emerged repeatedly: the economic stability of families is at risk. Participants spoke of ever-increasing rents, limited housing availability, ever-rising costs, and the concern that a single missed paycheck could devastate a family or force a small business to close.
Housing was a central issue. Community leaders pointed out that many families are being displaced from the neighborhoods they helped build. They therefore called for rent stabilization tools and affordable housing policies that take effect before families reach a crisis point.
The conversation also brought Latino entrepreneurship to the forefront. Small business owners, especially Latina entrepreneurs, highlighted their ability to create jobs and opportunities. But they also made it clear that this growth remains fragile without equitable access to capital, federal resources, and government contracts.
Another point connected the economy with immigration. Leaders expressed concern about the barriers faced by even legal immigrants and permanent residents in accessing SBA loans and other support, with consequences for businesses, workers, and local economies.
The final message was consistent: Latino civic engagement in New Jersey is strong, but it must translate into influence, accountability, and results. Priorities include stable housing, better wages, job protections, capital for small businesses, fairer public contracts, and real pathways between education and good-paying jobs. The meeting showcased panelists Mauricio Garcia, Senior VicePresident UnidosUS; Dr. Patricia Campos-Medina and Jorge Cruz, Executive Director LISC New Jersey. The master of ceremony was Kim Ruiz, PRADH Executive Director.
Now, the next steps are beginning to take shape, including interest from Senator Kim’s office in collaborating on a housing event in Paterson and further discussions about the UnidosUS Economic Prosperity Agenda.
New Jersey’s Latino communities are already leading the way. Policymakers must respond with investment, collaboration, and action.
Some of the people in attendance were: Javier Robles, President of the Latino Action Network; Hector Bonilla, Edwin Abreu Manager at OceanFirst Bank; Awilda Pomales-Diaz, Executive Director of the NJ Puerto Rican Commission; Evelyn Acevedo of Horizon; Angelo Abreu Dean at Middlesex County College; Jael Davis, Outreach Director from Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr.’s Six District Office; Leonardo Fuentes, North Jersey Regional Director at US Senator Andy Kim’s Office; and Krista Glynn, Catholic Charities VicePresident, among others.
