Tempers Flare When Huntington Park Appoints 2 Undocumented Immigrants To City

Medina and another illegal alien, Julian Zatarain, have reportedly been appointed as commissioners on city advisory boards – the first time such a move has been made in California. Both of Pineda’s appointees were born in Mexico and do not qualify for temporary legal status under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

Zatarain arrived in the U.S.in 2007 and lived for two years in South L.A. before moving to Huntington Park, Pineda said. “They’ve always given to the community…they just happen to be undocumented”. “Of course, we’re going to have people who disagree with me, but I’m fine with that”. He attended Huntington Park High School, where he created a group to help English-learner students access college-prep resources. “I’m not doing anything wrong”.

Several years ago, a neighboring city, Maywood, declared itself a “sanctuary city” for immigrants in the country illegally, generating national attention. Residents in a council assembly Monday spoke each for and towards the lads taking over the positions. One man praised the decisions while a woman acused city officials of “breaking the law”, according to KPCC. And unlike other city commissioners, they will not take home a monthly stipend usually ranging from about $25 to $75.

Immigrants in the country illegally are not excluded by law from serving on a commission, which serves exclusively as advisers to the city council, Pineda said. One councilwoman referred to as the association exploitative however different officers stated it might make certain everybody within the city was capable of take part.

City officials in Huntington Park appointed two new city commissioners Monday night; neither have legal immigration status in the United States. “If we’re going to talk about transparency, being open and having a community that’s involved, then the conversation also has to include undocumented immigrants”.

The world round Huntington Park has lengthy been an entry level for immigrants making their approach to america illegally. As a result, voter turnout has often been very low.

“Huntington Park is a city of opportunity and a city of hope for all individuals regardless of socioeconomic status, race, creed, or in this case, citizenship”, the councilman said in a statement [to CBS-LA].

A spokesman for Pineda stated to KPCC it was the primary metropolis in California to call immigrants within the nation illegally to commissioner positions.