FRESNO, Calif., Nov. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Bitwise Industries,
the mothership of technological education, collaboration and
innovation in Fresno, California,
is taking a stand in regard to the repeal of the Deferred Action on
Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Together with FWD.us, a
bipartisan organization comprised of leaders from the tech
community who are mobilizing in support of comprehensive
immigration reform, Bitwise's co-CEO, Irma
Olguin Jr. traveled to Washington,
D.C., where she met with members of Congress to advocate for
the passage of the Dream Act prior to the close of the year.
"At Bitwise, we've fostered a culture of acceptance and
celebrate differences," said Irma Olguin
Jr., co-CEO of Bitwise Industries. "Whether it's Dreamers
that study with us at Geekwise Academy, work for us or are simply
our neighbors here in the Central Valley, they are single-handedly
changing the face of technology and many other industries. We owe
it to them to find a solution. I'm proud to stand alongside them
and business leaders from some of the most renowned technology
companies the world has to offer, as we urge Washington to act and fight not only for
reform, but their futures."
The day of advocacy, organized by FWD.us, brought together more
than 100 Dreamers and business leaders from major technology
corporations, including IBM, Microsoft and LinkedIn. While in D.C.,
these Dreamers and business executives met with members of Congress
where they discussed in great detail the positive impact that
Dreamers have had on contributing to the growth of this country and
highlighted the ramifications that removing them from the workforce
would have, specifically the loss of $460 billion in GDP over the
coming decade. More importantly, Dreamers had the opportunity to
share their own personal stories and fears with legislators as the
deadline for a vote draws near.
On Capitol Hill, Irma Olguin Jr.
spent time with legislators representing the state of California. Throughout the day, meetings were
held with:
- Senator Dianne Feinstein
- Congressman Devin Nunes
- Congressman Ken Calvert
- Congressman Steven Knight
- Congressman Tom McClintock
- Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi
- Congressman Ted Lieu
- Congresswoman Barbara Lee
"Should Congress fail to act, the human impact will be
immeasurable, not to mention the billions of dollars in annual GDP
lost in the state of California
alone," said Irma Olguin Jr., co-CEO
of Bitwise Industries. "There are roughly 225,000 DACA recipients
in our state, with a disproportionate number of those Dreamers -
those human beings - residing in the Central Valley. Under DACA,
these Dreamers were able to legally work, receive an education and
even open their own businesses. They've directly impacted this
region and helped the Central Valley emerge as one of the
fastest-growing tech hubs in the US. Without Congress passing a
legislative solution, these Dreamers will lose their deportation
protections and have their work permits revoked. The incredible
economic progress we've made together will be quickly undone with
repercussions, seen and unseen, for years to come."
For additional information regarding FWD.us and its mission to
bring forth commonsense immigration reform, please visit its
website dreamers.fwd.us. To learn more about Bitwise Industries'
support of the Dream Act and immigration reform, visit
www.bitwiseindustries.com/In-the-News
About Bitwise Industries
Bitwise Industries is the
mothership of technological education, collaboration, and
innovation in Fresno, California.
Founded in 2013 in downtown Fresno, it is currently headquartered at
Bitwise South Stadium. Bitwise is comprised of Geekwise Academy,
Hashtag, and Shift3 Technologies. Learn more about Bitwise at
www.bitwiseindustries.com.
Media Contact:
Kyle
Kappmeier
JConnelly
kkappmeier@jconnelly.com
908-975-7827
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SOURCE Bitwise Industries