California Senate committee appoints first undocumented immigrant to statewide post

An undocumented immigrant has been appointed to a statewide post in California for the first time, Senate President pro Tempore Kevin de León’s office said.

The state’s Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday appointed Lizbeth Mateo — an attorney and immigrant rights activist — to be a part of the California Student Opportunity and Access Program Project Grant Advisory Committee, the Sacramento Bee reported.

In a statement, De León praised Mateo, saying that while President Trump “fixates on walls, California will continue to concentrate on opportunities.” {mosads}

“Ms. Mateo is a courageous, determined and intelligent young woman who at great personal risk has dedicated herself to fight for those seeking their rightful place in this country,” de León said.

The Student Opportunity and Access Program Project Grant Advisory Committee does work regarding helping students from low-income or underserved communities to get access to college.

“While undocumented students have become more visible in our state, they remain underrepresented in places where decisions that affect them are being made,” Mateo said in a statement.

Mateo was born in Mexico and arrived in the U.S. when she was 14. In 2016, she graduated from Santa Clara University law school, according to the Bee.