NILC and NILC Immigrant Justice Fund Statement on the Nomination of Miguel Cardona for Secretary of Education

WASHINGTON — Marielena Hincapié, executive director of the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) and the NILC Immigrant Justice Fund (IJF), issued the following statement following reports on the nomination of Miguel Cardona for U.S. secretary of Education:

“Miguel Cardona is the right person at the right time to lead the Department of Education. As a Latino who grew up in public housing and attended Connecticut public schools, eventually becoming a teacher and then a principal in the same district in which he grew up, he knows from experience how critical it is for the United States to reclaim its place in the world as a beacon of hope for those seeking a better education, including immigrants.

“As the next Education secretary, Cardona will face the considerable task of undoing the damage left behind by Trump’s policies, which have played out across our country’s schools and education system at all levels, especially in light of the educational gap the pandemic will leave in its wake. We look forward to working closely with Cardona to enhance access to education and focus on student wellness, while restoring the promise of our nation’s education system.”

# # #