Press Release

Congressman Ami Bera (CA-7) will attend this year's Joint Session of Congress with an undocumented student whose ability to pursue the American Dream was made possible by immigration policies that face uncertainty under the new administration.

Rep. Bera's guest, 25-year-old Alfredo Rivas, arrived in the United States at age 13 after fleeing El Salvador with his family, and despite excellent academic grades, tuition costs prevented him from attending college.

Through immigration policies including AB 540 and the 2011 California Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act, Rivas became eligible to pay in-state tuition, qualified for financial aid, and is pursuing his goal to become an immigration attorney.

"When people ask me where I'm from, I say ‘California' but I have worried every day since the election that my family or I could get deported at any time. DREAMers are here, we love this country just like every other American, and it gives me courage to know that there are people like Congressman Bera who have my back," said Rivas.

The immigration policies that allowed Rivas to take the steps to attend college and pursue his dream face an uncertain future under the new administration.

"As a nation of immigrants, it is not who we are to turn our backs on people who have risked everything for a chance at the American dream. Alfredo's hard work and love for our country exemplify our American values. The next time the President talks about undocumented immigrants, I want him to think about this bright young man and others like him," said Bera.

*** To arrange an interview with Rep. Bera, please contact Annie Ellison at annie.ellison@mail.house.gov. ***