CHULA VISTA, Calif. (FOX5/KUSI) — Local representatives, business leaders and educators held a press conference on Thursday stressing the importance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) following an announcement that the Trump administration will no longer defend the program.

Organized by the San Diego & Imperial Counties Community College Association (SDICCCA), the press conference was held at Southwestern College. The SDICCA represents more than 200,000 students across six community college districts including: Southwestern, San Diego, Grossmont-Cuyamaca, Palomar, MiraCosta and Imperial Valley.

“HSI funding strengthens the programs that prepare our essential workforce,” Southwestern College and SDICCCA President Mark Sanchez said. “Weakening this support undermines California’s safet

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