Fernando Valenzuela Named Presidential Ambassador By Obama
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — 34 years after "Fernandomania" swept across Los Angeles, former Dodgers legend Fernando Valenzuela was appointed by President Obama to become a Presidential Ambassador for Citizenship and Naturalization.
The announcement comes after Valenzuela recently became an official US Citizen on July 22nd.
His role will require him to work with the White House and the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with the goal of promoting the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of citizenship for eligible, permanent residents.
President Obama launched his "Stand Stronger" campaign which encourages the more than eight million lawful, permanent residents that qualify for US Citizenship to learn more about the process and eventually become a naturalized US citizen.
"We congratulate one of the greatest Dodger icons, Fernando Valenzuela, on his White House appointment, said Dodgers CEO Stan Kasten.
"Fernandomania was a special time in Los Angeles and all across Major League Baseball," he added.
Other notable Presidential Ambassadors for Citizenship and Naturalization include singer and songwriter Dave Matthews of Dave Matthews Band, and actress Diane Guerrero.
Valenzuela is a native of Sonora, Mexico, but first moved to the US in 1979 after signing with the Dodgers.
For more information on President Obama's "Stand Stronger" campaign, visit www.CommitToCitizenship.org