In Show of Support For Immigrants, Prominent Nigerian-American Physician Invited Guest of Bera to State of Union

January 24, 2018 |  

In what could be viewed as a rebuke of President Donald Trump's recent shithole comments, Congressman Dr. Ami Bera (D -Elk Grove) has invited a prominent Nigerian-American physician to be his guest at the January 30, 2018 State of the Union address.

Bera will be accompanied to the address by his 7th Congressional District constituent, Dr. Bennet Omalu, M.D. A Nigerian immigrant, Dr. Omalu is credited with discovering Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) in football players and was recently portrayed by Will Smith in the film “Concussion.”

“Dr. Omalu’s accomplishments and persistence are a testament to what immigrants bring to the United States,” Bera said. “America is a nation of immigrants, all bringing together our cultures, heritage, traditions, and religions."

Following a meeting where Trump used the term above to describe several countries, there has been widespread criticism of the comments. By inviting Dr. Omalu, who has gained worldwide notoriety, Bera appears to be highlighting the contributions of African immigrants not only to the U.S. but the to the advancement of medicine.  

"I am honored to bring Dr. Omalu to this year’s State of the Union," Bera noted. "He is a great example that with hard work, anyone can achieve the American Dream.”