Salma Hayek is using her platform to advocate for what matters most to her. The actress, producer, and entrepreneur recently shared an informative video on her Instagram reels where she digs into the impact of US Latinos on the economy. The results are shocking.
The clip shows her addressing the camera. "I feel like all this information... Instead of clarifying things sometimes it creates more confusion," she says. The video shows different interviews, with people sharing their thoughts on Latinos, including some of the most common misconceptions associated with undocumented immigrants, like the fact that they don't pay taxes and they take jobs from Americans.
Hayek's video disproves these claims. "In 1996, the IRS created the ITIN," Hayek explains, revealing that this method allows undocumented immigrants to pay taxes without granting them any benefits.
Hayek also shared some impressive stats about Latino entrepreneurs, revealing that they're the demographics that start businesses faster than any other group. They account for 36 percent of all new businesses in the US.
"If US Latinos were a country, we would rank as the fifth largest economy in the world," she says. "By 2027, we are projected to surpass Germany and Japan. If we were a country."
You can check out the full video below.
Salma Hayek has a history of supporting Latinos on all fronts
Hayek is one of Hollywood's most notorious and powerful Latinas, using her influence to support Latinos of all sorts. In recent months, she's used her social media as a way of spreading accurate information, but over the years, she's used her power to steer Hollywood representation in the right direction.
“Given the range of how exquisite the Latin talent is today, I am confident that we will stay and continue to open more doors,” said Hayek at Time 100's 2023 gala.
“I think that Latinas are given the stereotype about being sexy because we are,” she said with a laugh. “But it’s good that they’re saying we are a lot more than that.”