LULAC Urges Senate to Move Forward with Jacobson Nomination

January 25, 2016

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last year, President Obama nominated Roberta S. Jacobson to serve as Ambassador to Mexico. Although the nomination has support from both Republicans and Democrats and was successfully voted out of committee, the nomination has not been given an opportunity for a vote by the full U.S. Senate.

“Roberta Jacobson’s extensive background makes her the most qualified individual to serve as ambassador to Mexico,” said LULAC National President, Roger C. Rocha, Jr. “Mexico is our third largest trading partner with an economic relationship valued at $500 billion. As a career civil service officer with extensive experience in Western Hemisphere and Mexican affairs, Roberta Jacobson has the expertise and experience to ensure that the relationship with Mexico continues to produce beneficial outcomes for both countries. In addition, in an environment of heightened security concerns, it is critical to confirm an ambassador with Jacobson's qualifications to ensure cooperation on critical border security issues, including focusing on those migrants who pose real national security threats."

Roberta Jacobson previously served as the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs; senior coordinator for the Citizen Security initiatives in the Western Hemisphere; Deputy Assistant Secretary for Canada, Mexico and NAFTA issues; Director of the Office of Mexican Affairs; Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Lima, Peru; Director of the Office of Policy Planning and Coordination in the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs; and previously served at the United States National Security Council.

“Roberta Jacobson’s experience on Mexican security and rule of law issues are vital given Mexico’s security challenges with transnational criminal organizations,” said LULAC National Executive Director, Brent Wilkes. "LULAC is confident that Roberta Jacobson will be able to work collaboratively with Mexico in order to address the serious challenges both countries face regarding illegal drug trafficking and other matters. We urge the U.S. Senate to move the nomination forward and schedule a full vote on the Senate floor at the earliest possible time.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.