The Ledger - Roundtable With Dreamers Spotlights Issues Affecting Hispanics

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By John Ceballos

As he prepared to address a group of Hispanic leaders and grassroots activists, state Sen. Darren Soto, D-Orlando, beckoned everyone in the room -- including the young children -- to join him at the large, rectangular table where he sat.

"We all have a seat at the table," said Soto, who is running for Congress. "We are here because we want to listen to you."

On Tuesday, Soto visited Centro Campesino (Farmworker Ministry) in Auburndale. He was joined by Rep. Xavier Becerra, who represents California's 34th congressional district. Becerra is also chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, making him the highest-ranking Hispanic member of Congress.

Soto and Becerra fielded questions during an hour-long "Roundtable with Dreamers." Among those in attendance were members of Auburndale-based Young American Dreamers, an immigration advocacy group comprised of elementary to college-age students.

"Sen. Soto helped us when this wasn't even his district," said Daniel Barajas, executive director of Young American Dreamers. "He's always stood up, he's always helped us, and we know we can count on him."

Tuesday's discussion focused on immigration reform and the importance of getting Latinos engaged in the voting process.

Becerra, who began serving downtown Los Angeles in 1993, recalled the arc of California Proposition 187. Voters passed the 1994 ballot initiative -- which sought to prohibit undocumented immigrants from using public education, non-emergency health care and other services -- before it was eventually challenged and found to be unconstitutional by a federal District Court.

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