Cuéllar’s Nomination

Mariano-Florentino Cuéllar’s nomination to a seat on the California Supreme Court is a testimony to the contributions and efforts of immigrants in our state.

His nomination a few days ago by Governor Jerry Brown is nothing less than historic. Cuéllar, a native of Matamoros, Mexico and the son of a college professor was brought to Calexico by his parents when he was 14 years of age.

Cuéllar’s immigrant experience will unquestionably enrich the perspective of our High Court, contributing a point of view closer to that of Main Street. The governor’s decision adds an important element of diversity to the court, bringing its composition more in line with California’s demography.

The designation of this University of Stanford law professor also enhances the court’s ideological diversity. In fact, this seven-member panel has long been dominated by justices appointed under Republican administrations. If Cuéllar is confirmed, starting this coming January he will replace Justice Marvin Baxter, considered to be one of the court’s most conservative judges.

Though Cuéllar has no judicial experience, his preeminence as an academic scholar ranges from national security to criminal, administrative, international and regulatory law. Prior to arriving at Stanford, he worked for the Clinton and Obama administrations.

This is the second time Brown has nominated a Supreme Court justice, in a clear sign of his intention to renew our state Supreme Court. Meanwhile, he is preparing to replace another judge who will be retiring this coming April. With three new justices plus moderate Justice Kathryn Mickle Werdegar, the balance of the court will shift to a more liberal posture.

Immigrants can feel proud, because the history of “Tino” Cuéllar comes at a key moment, when a debate is underway over whether foreign adolescents are good or bad for the country. Cuéllar’s history has little in common with that of the youth currently crossing the border, but he serves as an example of what is possible.

This nomination serves as a model for aspiring young Latinos, and will strike anti-immigrant groups with a hard blow of reality.