University of Houston roundtable to discuss Immigration Policy and America's Foreign Relations

The Honorable Christopher Ashby, former U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay was directly involved with efforts to create a Free Trade Area of the Americas. After his tour in Uruguay, he became president international of NIC Computer Company based in Palo Alto, California. Prior to his appointment as ambassador, he worked in international banking for 24 years as country manager for Jakarta, Spain and Portugal for Chemical Bank. He ran the bank’s business with the United Nations in New York. In 2012, he served as chief financial officer of Spring Branch Hospital.

Alberto “Beto” Cardenas, counsel with Vinson & Elkins LLP, represents businesses affected by America’s immigration laws and advises corporate and academic clientele seeking resolution on statutory and regulatory issues. He has extensive experience in drafting legislative solutions on diverse matters and in his tax policy practice assists clients with issues pending before government entities. Prior to joining the firm, he was general counsel to U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and counsel to the chancellor and director of federal regulations for Texas Tech University System.

The Honorable Marty McVey, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and president of McVey & Associates, was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve as a director of USAID Board for the International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD) in 2011. His responsibility with the agency includes providing guidance to the federal government on investments in training, research and technology transfer to developing countries. He is chairman for the Haitian Reconstruction Task Force. McVey is founder and shareholder of 14 private equity business in real estate, alternative energy services and healthcare sectors.

Gordon Quan, managing partner for the immigration law firm Quan Law Group, grew up in Houston’s East End in a predominately Hispanic neighborhood. After working as a teacher in an inner-city school, Quan became an attorney, where he has practiced law for more than 30 years. A former Houston City Council Member and Mayor Pro Tem, Quan helped the City of Houston create an Office for Immigration and Refugee Affairs. He is a founding member of the Texas State Bar Association’s Immigration Section and the Asian Bar Association of Houston.

Moderator: Art Rascon, anchor, KTRK ABC-13

The event is sponsored by the Center for International and Comparative Studies in the College of Liberal Arts at UH.

WHAT:

“Immigration Policy and America’s Foreign Relations” Roundtable Discussion

WHEN:

2:30 – 4 p.m., Tuesday, Mar. 3

WHO:

Free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Jonathan Slapin at 713-743-3905 or [email protected]

WHERE:

University Theater, Student Center, room 103

Public parking is available in the UH Welcome Center Garage

For directions, click http://www.uh.edu/maps/buildings/?short_name=wc

Entrance 1 off Calhoun Road

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized by The Princeton Review as one of the nation's best colleges for undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation's fourth-largest city, UH serves more than 40,500 students in the most ethnically and culturally diverse region in the country.