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Eva Longoria recognized by Mexican government

By UPI Staff
Eva Longoria delivers her remarks in acceptance of the Mexican government's Ohtli recognition as Amb. Alejandro Estivill looks on. Photo by Rafael Bernal/UPI
Eva Longoria delivers her remarks in acceptance of the Mexican government's Ohtli recognition as Amb. Alejandro Estivill looks on. Photo by Rafael Bernal/UPI

WASHINGTON, May 5 (UPI) -- Eva Longoria was awarded the Mexican government's Ohtli award at a Washington, D.C., ceremony Tuesday.

Javier Palomarez, president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, was also recognized with the medal.

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Undersecretary Sergio Alcocer of the Mexican Foreign Affairs Secretariat handed out the awards and focused his remarks on comprehensive immigration reform in the United States, calling immigration a "humane issue" rather than just an economic one.

Longoria was recognized for her work empowering Latinas through her Eva Longoria Foundation. In her remarks, Longoria discussed her bi-national origins. Although a ninth-generation Texan, she said, "I'm 100 percent Mexican and 100 percent American. All the time."

Palomarez, the youngest son of a family of immigrants, was awarded for his success as a businessman and as a promoter of Latino-owned businesses in the United States. Reflecting his fellow honoree's comments, Palomarez said that although the countries "may be separated by borders" there is a real sense that "we are inextricably bound."

The Mexican embassy's chargé d'affaires, Amb. Alejandro Estivill, rounded out the panel, explaining why Cinco de Mayo is celebrated.

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The Ohtli award is the highest recognition given by the Mexican government to members of the Mexican, Mexican-American or Latino communities in the United States for their contributions to the development of the Mexican community abroad.

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