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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING JOSE ROLANDO VILLAREAL, J.D.
______
HON. TJ COX
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 9, 2020
Mr. COX of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr.
Jose Rolando Villareal, J.D. whose story of success and achievement is
a true testament to all that is possible here in America. Throughout
his life, Mr. Villareal has been a shining example of the immigrant
experience in our country through his perseverance, tenacious spirit,
and service to others.
Mr. Villareal and his three sisters were born to Jose Maria and Elisa
Villarreal in the border city of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico and
immigrated with his family to the United States as a young child. The
family originally arrived in Eagle Pass, Texas then, like so many other
migrant farmworker families, lived in various states following the
harvest until eventually settling in San Jose, California. There in
Silicon Valley, Mr. Villareal was able to become the first in his
family to attend college. He earned his bachelor's degree from San Jose
State University and then earned his Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara
University School of Law.
Mr. Villareal then began his professional career in the Central
Valley, where he served in various capacities focused on improving the
lives of vulnerable, underserved communities in the region. He served
as chief public defender in Fresno County for eight years and as
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the California Rural Legal
Assistance, an organization that has transformed the lives of thousands
of working families and immigrant communities. Mr. Villareal has also
served his community as Mayor of Sanger, California, where he led
efforts to spur economic development and strengthen public safety.
Our history as a nation of immigrants is rich with countless stories
of struggle and success. Like many child immigrants, Mr. Villareal
spent much of his life striving to secure a foothold in our country and
achieve the American Dream. Though his experiences as an immigrant were
never easy, he persevered and achieved his ultimate goal of
successfully gaining U.S. citizenship. Throughout his career, Mr.
Villareal endeavored to encourage other immigrants to strive for this
goal and has become a role model for his community.
Mr. Villareal has become a source of pride for his wife Enriqueta and
their four children Rolando, Adrian, Alejandro, and Meliza, who have
all supported him in sharing the story of his life via a published
memoir. His lifetime of accomplishments has been rooted in his deep
commitment to service. His dedication to the Central Valley's immigrant
community and personal mission to improve the lives of others perfectly
exemplifies the virtues of American society.
Madam Speaker it is my privilege to recognize Mr. Villareal and I ask
my colleagues to join me in celebrating his exemplary commitment to
achieving the American Dream.
____________________