Juan Hernandez, cabinet member of the Mexican government, will address the current national debate on immigration reform at DePaul University's Lincoln Park Campus at 8 p.m., Thursday, April 20 at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1010 W. Webster Ave.

Hernandez, the first U.S.-born Cabinet member in Mexican history, was appointed by Mexican President Vincente Fox to head the Office for Mexicans Abroad. He will discuss the ongoing immigration debate and its impact on millions of people in the United States, followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.

Described in Fortune Magazine as "one of the most brilliant men in the world," Hernandez is a passionate defender of the rights of immigrants. He is the author of a new book on the subject, titled The New American Pioneers: Why Are We Afraid of Mexican Immigrants?

Named Humanitarian Man of 2001 by Latin Trade Magazine, and honored as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the United States by Hispanic Business Magazine during that same year, Hernandez is a regular guest on national television shows on Univision, CNN and Fox News Channel.

The event is sponsored by 19 different DePaul University offices, organizations and student groups, as well as by St. Vincent de Paul Parish. Admission to the event is free, but reservations are requested due to limited space. Please contact Alejandro Magana for registration information at 773/325-7569 or amagana1@depaul.edu.