Washington, DC - Today, Representative Juan Vargas (D-CA-51) and Representative Jeff Denham (R-CA-10) launched the Immigrant Servicemembers and Veterans Caucus, in an effort to focus on issues related to current Servicemembers and Veterans who are immigrants or on a pathway to a lawful immigration status. On the eve of Veteran’s Day, the caucuses launched to honor and recognize the contributions of immigrants who have and are serving in the military.
“I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to advocate on behalf of generations of immigrants who have made a selfless commitment to defend our country even when they are not yet citizens themselves,” stated Rep. Juan Vargas. “They have responded to the call of duty and have contributed to our Armed Forces through their innumerable sacrifices and courage. This caucus will serve a platform to ensure that Congress truly serves for all who serve, including immigrants. I look forward to continuing working with my colleagues to support immigrants who have or are currently serving in the Armed Services.”
“Our Armed Forces have been served by generations of dedicated, talented immigrants who have made incalculable contributions in every major conflict throughout American history,” said Rep. Denham. “There is no greater way to pledge allegiance to our great nation than to volunteer to serve it. This caucus will help us to highlight the importance of these veterans and servicemembers and ensure we can help to support them.”
There are currently 65,000 immigrants in the active-duty military and approximately 3 percent of all living U.S. veterans were born abroad. Additionally, veterans who are immigrants or children of immigrants account for 12 percent of the total veteran population. Military Service has and will continue to play a key role in shaping the diversity of our nation and integrating new populations into American life. Immigrant Servicemembers possess distinctive language and cultural skills, are less likely to drop out of military service and have served with the highest distinction. However, several obstacles remain for immigrant Servicememembers to navigate the complex immigration system and a lack of transparency on the demographic profile and status of these members. The Immigrant Servicemembers and Veterans Caucus will be a forum where Members of Congress and their staff come together to learn about and interact with these pressing issues.
Juan Vargas (D) represents California’s 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2012 and is currently serving his second term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.
Jeff Denham (R) has represented California’s 10th Congressional District, which includes all of Stanislaus County and a portion of San Joaquin County, since 2011. He serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Agriculture and Natural Resources committees. He served in the U.S. Air Force for a combined 16 years of active duty and reserve service. He fought in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Restore Hope in Iraq and Somalia, respectively.
