Board backs federal bill to ease naturalization for noncitizen veterans; motion passes unanimously

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Oct. 14 to endorse federal legislation intended to streamline naturalization and provide relief for noncitizen service members and deported veterans.

Why it matters: Supporters told the board the bill — introduced by Congressman Mark Takano — would help veterans who served honorably but lack citizenship, and would also create processes to review removal cases and allow some deported veterans to seek legal permanent residence.

The motion, introduced by Supervisor Hilda Solis and seconded by Supervisor Janice Hahn, passed on a 5-0 vote after departmental briefings and public testimony from veterans and veterans’ advocates.

Jim Zenner, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, briefed the board on the county’s work with immigrant veterans. He noted that some veterans have been deported for serious crimes while others remain in uncertain immigration status despite service. "We understand that some of the issues veterans face, immigrant veterans are unique to their situation," Zenner said. He said his office coordinates with the county’s Office of Immigrant Affairs to connect veterans to benefits and services.

Rigel Reyes, executive director of the Office of Immigrant Affairs, told the board the office already provides targeted outreach through Represent LA and mobile immigration services and said the motion would help the county be more intentional in connecting veterans to legal and support services.

Members of the public urged the board to act. Hector Barajas, director and founder of the Deported Veterans Support House in Tijuana, said, “Veterans who have served our country should not live in fear of being deported.” Several veterans organizations and local American Legion and VFW representatives also spoke in favor.

Supervisor Solis told colleagues she saw the measure as a bipartisan, pragmatic step to address what she described as an “inequity” in how noncitizen veterans are treated after service. Supervisor Janice Hahn noted similar cases in her city-council experience and said she would support the county letter backing the legislation.

Action taken: The board approved a motion to send a letter of support for the Veteran Service Recognition Act and to direct the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the Office of Immigrant Affairs to continue outreach and assistance for immigrant veterans. The motion passed 5-0.