Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D – Oxnard) will be joined by Martha Zavala Perez, a Dreamer from Moorpark, who will be her guest during President Trump’s address to the Joint Session of Congress.
Martha Zavala Perez was brought to the United States at the age of one by her parents from Mexicali, Mexico. She discovered her undocumented status when her parents were reluctant about allowing her to apply to colleges after she expressed a strong desire. Despite the risk and uncertainty that came with her status, Martha decided to attend Moorpark Community College and transferred to CSUCI after applying to be a Dreamer under DACA. She now holds a Bachelor’s degree from California State University Channel Islands and a Master’s degree from Pepperdine University.
She is currently a Special Consultant to the Vice President for Student Affairs at CSUCI. She runs CSUCI’s Undocumented Student Services, which supports undocumented students in their pursuit of higher education.
“President Trump’s cavalier attitude towards our immigrations policies profoundly hurts people like Martha and makes us lesser as a community and a nation. I want President Trump and everyone watching to see Martha Zavala Perez and know her story. I want them to see her incredible passion and commitment in serving our community. I want them to see the fear she faces every day of being ripped away from the only home she has ever known. I want them to see her and see the hearts of all our Dreamers.” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley.
Martha Perez and Rep. Brownley are available for interviews. Please contact Darwin Pham if you are interested.
Issues: 115th Congress, Education, Immigration