On the afternoon of January 24, United States Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-21) joined with President California State University, Fresno President Joseph Castro and students to discuss the DACA program and immigration reform.
“Today, the topic of immigration, specifically, the DACA program is dominating news headlines across the nation, however, this issue is not new to the Central Valley,” said Congressman Valadao. “My Congressional District is home to more than 7,000 DACA recipients. These young people go to work, attend school, pay taxes, and are actively involved in our communities. Like the students I met with today, these individuals are upstanding members of society who give far more than they take. With the deadline approaching, it is more important than ever that Congress comes together to codify the DACA program and allow these young people to continue to live in the United States – the only home they know.”
Hosted by President Castro and the Fresno State Dream Center, which falls under the Office of Student Affairs, the meeting included Congressman Valadao, President Castro, Dream Success Center Coordinator Gabriela Encinas, Executive Director of Governmental Relations Larry Salinas and five CSU Fresno students, who are currently enrolled in the DACA program. During the meeting students shared their personal stories with Congressman Valadao, discussed the benefits of the DACA program to their communities, and examined the legislative process to achieve a legislative solution in Congress.
Following the conclusion of the meeting, President Joseph Castro stated, “We appreciate that Congressman Valadao visited Fresno State to meet with our talented students to learn more about their dreams, plans and challenges they currently face. Our students are part of the next generation of leaders in the Central Valley and beyond. It’s important that our elected officials understand the contributions of our Dreamers, the important role they play in our communities and the uncertainty they and their families face on a daily basis.”