Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez used today’s press briefing at the Eisenhower Old Executive Building to highlight the role of immigrants in America. He said no country does a better job of assimilating immigrants than the United States.
Gutierrez, who is Hispanic and previously led food giant Kellogg, said no one brings more energy and new ideas than immigrants to Americans. (Note that Gutierrez wasn’t talking about illegal immigrants.)
He said the best way for America to remain competitive was for the United States to work toward open markets.
“This is not a time to withdraw,” Gutierrez said. “It’s not a time for protectionism.”
