Non-Citizens Could Soon Serve on Santa Ana’s Public Committees 

Santa Ana will likely become the first city in Orange County to allow non-U.S. citizens without legal immigration status to serve on its commissions, boards, or committees. During a March 2 city council meeting, council voted unanimously to remove a restriction that required a person appointed to one of the city’s boards, commissions, or committees to be an eligible voter. The amendment could open the door to non-citizens wishing to participate in the city’s municipal politics and decision-making processes. The item will need to receive a second reading and during Santa Ana’s next council meeting before the ordinance will officially be amended. According to a staff report on the subject, removing the requirement to be a legal U.S. citizen will help to encourage those living in the city to be more active in controlling how it is run. “Such changes to the [Santa Ana Municipal Code] would strengthen community engagement by eliminating barriers to participation and encouraging more residents to apply … Read More