Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
In recognition of his outstanding leadership and commitment to seeking bipartisan solutions to immigration challenges, McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos has been invited to receive the prestigious Courage to Lead Award from the National Immigration Forum.
This award, which recognizes the efforts of both Democrats and Republicans who work together to advance constructive, bipartisan immigration and refugee solutions, will be presented to Mayor Villalobos at the Asia Society Texas Center in Houston on Thursday, November 16.
The Courage to Lead Awards, presented by the National Immigration Forum, have a long-standing tradition of honoring leaders from across the political spectrum who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to finding common-ground solutions on immigration and refugee issues.
Past recipients of this distinguished award include prominent figures like Senators Amy Klobuchar, Dick Durbin, Cory Gardner, James Lankford, and Michael Bennet, as well as Representatives Michael Simpson and Zoe Lofgren. The selection of award recipients reflects a commitment to recognizing leaders who transcend party lines to drive progress in one of the nation’s most complex and pressing policy areas.
The Courage to Lead Awards are an integral part of the Leading the Way event, an annual gathering that brings together more than 150 moderate and conservative leaders from various sectors, including faith, law enforcement, national security, and business. These influential figures converge to network, engage with policymakers, and hear from thought leaders about the future of the U.S. immigration and refugee systems.
This year’s Leading the Way event marks a historic departure from its traditional venue in Washington, D.C., as it relocates to Houston, Texas, underlining the significance of the Lone Star State in the national immigration conversation. This shift is indicative of Texas’s pivotal role in shaping immigration policies, making it an ideal backdrop for an event dedicated to bipartisan solutions.
The Honored Guests: Mayor Javier Villalobos and Texas Representatives
Joining Mayor Villalobos in receiving the Courage to Lead Award is Texas Representative Ana Hernandez, representing Houston’s 143rd District, as well as Representatives Henry Cuellar and Tony Gonzales from the U.S. House. These distinguished leaders have been selected for their tireless efforts in fostering cooperation and seeking common ground on immigration and refugee matters.
The event, scheduled to take place from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm CST, will feature the award presentation to Mayor Villalobos, a moderated conversation among the award recipients, and a reception where attendees can engage in meaningful discussions on the critical issues surrounding immigration and refugees.
Mayor Javier Villalobos’s journey to this recognition has been marked by a rich and diverse background. With 26 years of experience as an attorney in Criminal, Family, and Government/Administrative law, he brings a unique perspective to the challenges of immigration. Before his tenure as Mayor, Villalobos served as the chairman of the Hidalgo County GOP, providing legal counsel to local governments and running for the McAllen City Commission in 2015. He served as a City Commissioner for District 1 from 2018 to 2021 before being elected as Mayor of McAllen in 2021.
Educational Background
Mayor Villalobos holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from Southwest Texas State University, now Texas State University, showcasing his proficiency in both legal and financial matters. His Juris Doctor degree from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law further solidifies his credentials as a capable and well-rounded leader.
Mayor Javier Villalobos’s dedication to seeking bipartisan solutions on immigration issues has rightfully earned him the Courage to Lead Award from the National Immigration Forum. His journey from a distinguished legal career to public service exemplifies his commitment to finding common ground and driving progress in one of the nation’s most complex policy areas. As he joins a distinguished group of bipartisan leaders in receiving this award, his efforts serve as a testament to the power of cooperation and leadership in addressing the challenges of immigration and refugee policy. The Courage to Lead Award ceremony promises to be a significant event, shining a spotlight on those who work tirelessly to create a more inclusive and compassionate future for all Americans.
