Chamber Statement 2026

Chamber Statement 2026

The Salem Chamber of Commerce and its members believe in the rule of law. The safety and reliability of the United States’ legal framework is what makes doing business possible. We all depend upon it. The current Federal administration’s disregard for the rule of law places our businesses, our employees, and our customers in danger.

Over the past few months, Border Patrol and ICE agents have arrested legal permanent residents and American citizens, killed protestors, and violated immigrants’ rights to due process.

The law is being applied unequally, with clemency for the administration’s friends and aggressive prosecution for its critics. States are being targeted based on how they voted in the last election. Businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations have been harmed through the cancelation of research funding, grants, and project leases. Here in Salem, development of an offshore wind port—a project with countless economic benefits to the community—has abruptly ground to a halt due to withheld federal funds. In addition to all this, business owners are forced to navigate a system of unpredictable and harmful tariffs.

We ask that Congress and the Supreme Court fulfill their Constitutional duty and maintain the system of checks and balances that enable confidence in politics. Protecting American businesses requires Congress to act more boldly in exercising its power to legislate, its powers of oversight, and its power of the purse. We additionally call on Congress to pass common-sense immigration reform that enforces our laws without tearing hard-working employees and customers out of our communities.

Business thrives in a marketplace that is fair, predictable, and safe. This has been the secret to America’s success for 250 years. The Salem Chamber will continue to strive to ensure our community is a safe place to live, work and do business.

Signed,
Jeff Swartz, Executive Director
&
The Salem Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

Resources and Information

Federal Guidance on Immigration

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): I-9 Central & Employer Resources
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• U.S. Department of Justice – Immigrant and Employee Rights Section

Massachusetts Government Resources on Immigration

• MA Attorney General’s Guidance
• MA Office for Refugees and Immigrants

Legal & Practical Guidance on Immigration

• Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition 
• National Immigration Law Center (NILC)
• NILC Employer Guide (What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace)

Federal Information on Tariffs

• US International Trade Administration - Import Tariffs Overview