Outraged Hispanics to Gather in Support of Miguel Estrada

Focus on the Family
Thursday, 10 April 2003

Pro-Family Hispanics Decry Democrats' Discrimination Against Conservative Court Nominee

Hundreds of Hispanics are expected to gather in four major cities over the next two weeks to call for an end to Senate Democrats' stonewalling of Miguel Estrada, a well-qualified Hispanic attorney who President Bush nominated to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The rallies are part of an effort, led by local leaders and Enfoque a la Familia, Focus on the Family's ministry to the Hispanic community, to call attention to the unjust opposition Estrada has faced.

Estrada's confirmation has been held up in the Senate for many weeks because several liberal Democrats chose to filibuster his nomination, primarily because of Estrada's conservative judicial philosophy.

"Unfortunately, this grueling process reveals what liberals really want from Hispanics — our votes, but not our leadership," said James Oviedo, Director of Enfoque a la Familia. "The Hispanic community has much to offer, and those who claim to care about minority rights should not reject a qualified candidate simply because they do not agree with Mr. Estrada's views."

Estrada immigrated to the U.S. as a teenager from Honduras, knowing little English. Despite these hurdles, he graduated from Columbia College in New York and Harvard Law School, where he edited the Harvard Law Review. He has argued 15 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and has won 10 of them.

Yuri Mantilla, Counsel for Hispanic Affairs at Enfoque a la Familia, added: "Miguel Estrada embodies the American dream that is available to all of us — not just those who agree with the liberal Democrats' point of view. This unjust treatment sets a very disturbing precedent for conservatives, members of the Hispanic community and all who believe in the democratic process."

RALLIES WILL BE HELD IN:

* Baton Rouge, La.- Tuesday, April 15, 10:30-11:00 a.m., State Capitol

* Little Rock, Ark.- Wednesday, April 16, 1:30-2:00 p.m., State Capitol

* Albuquerque, N.M.- Tuesday, April 22, 1:30-2:00 p.m., Sen. Bingaman's Office, 625 Silver Ave. SW

* Miami, Fla.- Thursday, April 24, 1:30-2:00 p.m., Dade County Courthouse, 73 West Flagler St.

*James Oviedo and Yuri Mantilla will be available for media interviews immediately following the rally or by calling Julie Neils at: (719) 548-4634.

For more information, or to contact Focus on the Family, see their website at: www.family.org