By Alex De Ocampo, Candidate for Assembly District 51
For generations, immigrants have come here seeking a better life for themselves and their children. America has welcomed these newcomers and we all have benefited from their contributions to our society.
That’s why I support Senator Kevin De Leon’s legislation, SB 54, the California Values Act. This bill would prevent state and local tax dollars from being used to support the Trump Administration’s misguided immigration policies.
Our heritage as a nation of immigrants is under attack. The Trump Administration has banned travelers from certain counties. They want to pass the RAISE Act, putting stipulations on who can immigrate here. Now this administration is rolling back DACA, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
22,000 DACA eligible Filipinos will soon have their dream of being fully integrated in American society taken away and at risk for deportation.
California can lead the way by passing SB 54 and send a strong response to these misguided policies against our immigrant communities.
This is personal for me. I am the son of immigrants. When my father came to Los Angeles from the Philippines in the 70s, he faced the harsh realities of starting over in a new country. He did what he had to do to make ends meet. He washed dishes in restaurants, sold off family heirlooms, and slept on park benches until he saved enough to reunite our family in Historic Filipinotown.
We struggled. My parents worked 80 hours a week so that my sisters and I could have a better life and achieve the American Dream.
Because of my parents’ determination and the values they instilled in me, I was able to take advantage of every opportunity offered to me, attending public schools, earning scholarships, getting a college degree, and pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
Stories like mine wouldn’t be possible without America’s commitment to helping immigrants achieve a better life.
I’m running for the California State Assembly because as the son of immigrants, it is my duty to continue the fight for immigrant rights and against the misguided policies of this administration.
Join me in supporting the California Values Act.
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Alex De Ocampo is a candidate for the State Assembly. He is the son of Filipino immigrants who benefited from opportunity provided by public education and the guidance of mentors. Alex worked his way up through the ranks, starting as an assistant and ultimately managing the $400 million budget of the Saban Family Foundation. He helped establish the foundation’s most impactful projects in Los Angeles, including community clinics and a research institute at Children’s Hospital.
