FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           PRESS CONTACT:

June 24, 2015                                                                          Brenda Rangel 956.564.1527

                                                                                                                                         

Vela Receives Legislator of the Year Award

from State Bar of Texas

 

WASHINGTON— U.S. Representative Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville has been selected by the State Bar of Texas Hispanic Issues Section (HIS) as the 2015 HIS Legislator of the Year. He was nominated by Justice Patricia Alvarez.

 

Each year, this award is presented to a legislator who demonstrates strong commitment to the Hispanic legal community in Texas. Specifically, the HIS commends U.S. Rep. Vela’s commitment to immigration reform and his efforts on behalf of migrant workers, DREAMers and unaccompanied minors.

 

The award was presented at the State Bar Convention at the San Antonio Grand Hyatt Hotel on June 18, 2015. U.S. Rep. Vela’s cousin, Justice Luz Elena Chapa, accepted the honor on his behalf.

 

“I was honored that Justice Alvarez nominated me for this award. Throughout my career, I have focused on representing those whose voices too often go unheard,” U.S. Rep. Vela said. “Since my election to Congress, I have worked to pass immigration reform legislation to reunite families, to make the naturalization process fair and efficient, and to allow those living in the shadows to become full members of our society. I have also fought to bring attention to one of the most pressing issues facing South Texas. Lawlessness and violence in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico, is threatening the close ties between border communities, and both nations must take immediate action to return peace and stability to the region.”

 

 

 

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