Jose Miguel Tejeda Gonzalez

CHCI Public Policy Fellow Presented by ConocoPhillips
Hometown: Wilsonville, Oregon
School: Stanford University
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in International Relations: International Security, Europe (East and West) & Russia
Placement: Office of Representative Joaquin Castro

Jose Miguel Tejeda (he/him) is a first-generation American raised in Wilsonville, Oregon, after his parents immigrated from Mexico. Growing up in a single-parent, immigrant household and witnessing his mother’s journey from Nayarit to Oregon inspired his commitment to public service and his passion for strengthening U.S.–Latin America relations, expanding opportunities for immigrant communities, and advancing human rights.

Miguel holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a minor in Spanish Language from Stanford University. At Stanford, he was recognized as an Alumni Excellence Awardee and inducted into Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society. He studied abroad in Madrid, Spain, where he interned at Abogados Castañeda, an experience that solidified his interest in international affairs and legal issues. He served as Co-President of Derechos, the university’s Latine pre-law society, where he fostered a community for aspiring legal professionals. He also co-developed a practicum course that placed students as interns at Community Legal Services of East Palo Alto, providing legal experience serving under-resourced and immigrant communities and demonstrating his commitment to practical impact in public service. As part of his senior capstone, Miguel partnered with the Inter-American Dialogue to research citizen security in Latin America, deepening his interest in regional policy and governance.

Miguel interned for U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, gaining firsthand legislative experience and insights into federal policymaking. As a CHCI Public Policy Fellow, he aims to contribute to legislative research and policy initiatives on migration, U.S.–Mexico relations, and human rights, inspiring confidence in his future impact on Latin American affairs and public service. Following his fellowship, Miguel will return to Stanford University in 2027 to pursue a master’s degree in Latin American Studies. He aspires to attend law school and pursue a legal career in international business or immigration law, aiming to strengthen U.S.-Latin America partnerships and advocate for immigrant communities.