Obama names Fernando Valenzuela ambassador for immigration program

Pretty sure this didn’t come up during the GOP presidential debate Wednesday when the skirmishes turned to immigration, but then who while in Southern California would ever be foolish enough to take on local treasure Fernando Valenzuela?

On Thursday, President Obama appointed the legendary Dodgers left-hander and current broadcaster as a presidential ambassador for citizenship and naturalization.

If you’re not exactly certain what that means, it’s understandable. The White House just launched its “Stand Stronger” program on Thursday, and yes, it sounds political. The stated goal is to promote the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of citizenship among eligible, lawful, permanent residents. The campaign is designed to break down barriers for eligible immigrants and refugees to become U.S. citizens.

“We congratulate one of the greatest Dodger icons, Fernando Valenzuela, on his White House appointment,” Dodgers President and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement. “Fernandomania was a special time in Los Angeles and all across Major League Baseball. He is a great American and will serve our country well as an ambassador.”

A native of Mexico, Valenzuela became a U.S. citizen less than two months ago in a ceremony in downtown Los Angeles.

Valenzuela was one of four Americans appointed to the new role. Joining him with ambassador appointments were chef and restaurateur José Andrés, actress Diane Guerrero and singer-songwriter Dave Matthews. The program hopes the ambassadors’ personal stories will promote naturalization and bolster integration initiatives, while increasing awareness of the contributions of new Americans.

The Stand Stronger program is designed to encourage the approximately 8.8 million lawful, permanent residents who qualify for citizenship to learn more about the naturalization program.

Maybe Donald Trump and friends will have something to say about the program at their next debate in October, safely ensconced away from Southern California in Colorado.