Sergio Covarrubias Garcia, who became the first undocumented immigrant to receive a license to practice law in California, will speak at a special Inauguration Lecture on Monday, April 28, from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Loker Student Union Ballroom
The lecture is part of Inauguration Week activities at CSU Dominguez Hills leading up to the Investiture Ceremony of University President Willie J. Hagan on Friday, May 2. The inauguration theme is “California State University, Dominguez Hills: America Happens Here.”
Garcia was born in Michoacán, Mexico, but moved between Mexico and the United States a number of times before settling in California as a teen. Despite the moves, Garcia excelled as a student in both countries, capturing the attention of prestigious universities upon graduating from Durham High School. Due to his status as an undocumented immigrant, he could not accept scholarships to attend any of those colleges, and opted to enroll in Butte Community College. He eventually transferred to CSU Chico and went on to graduate from Cal Northern School of Law.
In 2009, Garcia passed the California State Bar on his first attempt, but was prohibited from practicing law because of his immigration status. His fight against the decision drew national media attention and prompted the California legislature to pass a law that ultimately cleared the way for the California Supreme Court to grant a motion to admit him to the state bar on Jan. 2, 2014. He was sworn-in as an attorney on Feb. 1, 2014.
Garcia will speak on his journey toward achieving the American dream. The lecture is open to the public.
CSU Dominguez Hills is at 1000 E. Victoria St. in Carson. Permits to park on campus cost $5 and are available for purchase using cash, credit or debit cards at kiosks located in each lot.
For more information, visit www.csudh.edu/inauguration or call (310) 243-3737.
