Speech #1090180481

Each year the foundation assists 12.000 members of the community through providing vital social services as well as enhancing opportunities for leadership development and civic participation. Jovita Solis. the foundations Citizenship Coordinator. came to the United States when she was quite young and has made a tremendous difference in our community. Jovita routinely volunteers her time at numerous community events to encourage and assist many permanent residents to become naturalized citizens. Jovita has an indomitable spirit that was tested when her brother was murdered only 3 years ago. Jovita came out of her brothers death with a purpose to make our community safer and to help our youths turn away from violence and crime. Jovita has spearheaded many youth initiatives to help our young people stay in school and encourage their pursuits in the arts and sports. Another community leader creating a better world is Amoldo Garcia. Amoldo is the Enforcement and Justice Program Coordinator at the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (NNIRR). based in Oakland. California. The NNIRR is a national organization that serves as a forum to share information and analysis. to educate communities and the general public. and to develop and coordinate plans of action on important immigrant and refugee issues. Amoldo works to promote a just immigration and refugee policy in the United States and to defend and expand the rights of all immigrants and refugees. regardless of immigration status. Arnoldo and the National Network bases their efforts in the principles of equality and justice. and seek the enfranchisement of all immigrant and refugee communities in the United States through organizing and advocating for their full labor. environmental. civil and human rights. Arnoldo recognizes the unparalleled change in global. political and economic structures which has exacerbated regional. national and international patterns of migration. and emphasizes the need to build international support and cooperation to strengthen the rights. welfare and safety of migrants and refugees. Mr. Speaker.