HUNTINGTON PARK (CNS) – Two undocumented immigrants have been appointed to city commissions in Huntington Park in an effort by that city’s government to boost the involvement of immigrants in public affairs.
Appointed late Monday to the Huntington Park parks and recreation commission was 21-year-old college student Julian Zatarain while 29-year-old Francisco Medina won appointment to the health and education commission.
People in the United States illegally cannot vote or seek elected office, but officials in Huntington Park said their status should not stop them from helping govern in other ways.
“Our population includes documented and undocumented immigrants, and I wanted to make sure everyone could participate,” Huntington Park Mayor Karina Macias said in remarks reported by the Los Angeles Times.
“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. I’m hoping other cities are looking at what we’re doing here.”