Legislators Reuben D’Silva and Hanadi Nadeem recently hosted their first town hall meeting geared toward the burgeoning South-Asian community. The meeting drew over 50 active community members, including small business owners, medical professionals, and social activists. The meeting provided a platform for community members to share their concerns, ideas, and expectations, allowing D’Silva and Nadeem to understand community needs better and work towards addressing them.

Indian-American District Court Judge Tina Talim, a trailblazer in her own right, graciously introduced the two South Asian legislators, followed by a guest speaker, Attorney General Aaron Ford. 

In addressing the attendees, AG Ford quoted from the Bible…” it (Bible) said that you are supposed to take care of the most venerable in the society…right now the immigrants in our society are the very venerable.”

Ford informed the community that his office is taking a strong stance on immigration issues, particularly regarding birthright citizenship. By joining other Democratic State Attorneys General in suing Trump’s executive order, Ford’s office is actively working to address birthright citizenship concerns. Immediately after the inauguration, President Trump’s recent executive orders aimed to restrict or eliminate this right, sparking controversy and legal challenges.

D’Silva and Nadeem assured the attendees of their commitment to the issues important to the community – education, health care, and affordable housing. In the past, D’Silva has strongly advocated for the community and is an active proponent of small businesses, education, and health care reforms.

D’Silva, a teacher by profession, will serve on the legislature’s education, government affairs, and revenue committees. Reuben is sponsoring ten bills, including four focusing on K-12 public education. “I am bringing a bill allocation of $ 10 million allocation for the NV School of Arts for a capital project at Symphony Park,” said Reuben D’Silva. He further informed the attendees of his two bills for Metro in response to the shooting in East and North Las Vegas and bills related to street vending issues.

Newly elected legislator Hanadi talked about her multiple bills to improve health care and education for all Nevadans. One of Nadeem’s bills addresses bullying in the schools and mental health issues impacting the students. Coming from a family of healthcare professionals, Nadeem understands the healthcare issues affecting the community, from quality care to affordability. “I am committed to the work on the homeless issues with my friends, colleagues, and other legislators…home affordability is extremely important; for the rent, we have to put the cap and cap on other fees, said Nadeem. Nadeem has been appointed to the health & human services, judiciary, and legislative operations & elections committees.