Staff Reports
In a fascinating twist of events, a new report from The Guardian has ignited a bit of a firestorm regarding the Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) and its handling of noncitizen employees. According to the report, the V.A. is allegedly creating a database of its noncitizen employees to share with other federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.). While this news has raised eyebrows in some circles, V.A. officials have swiftly dismissed the claims as misleading and not groundbreaking, pointing out that vetting employees is a standard practice that is not unique to the current administration.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins stepped into the fray, aiming to clarify the situation. He expressed disappointment in the media’s portrayal of the situation, suggesting that outlets like The Guardian thrive on sensationalism rather than accuracy. Secretary Collins noted that the V.A. holds a considerable amount of personal and medical information on veterans—information that requires strict security measures. He emphasized that this new database merely represents a continuation of efforts to ensure that everyone working at the V.A. is authorized and qualified.
Furthermore, Secretary Collins responded to accusations from critics, including Democrat Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, who alleged that the V.A. was targeting noncitizen employees who provide vital services. Addressing these concerns, Collins reiterated that while he welcomes individuals who are legally eligible to work in the U.S. and wish to serve veterans, the V.A. must uphold national security standards. He clearly waded into the debate by mentioning recent troubling incidents involving noncitizen individuals, making the case that background checks are not just reasonable—they are necessary.
In addition to addressing the noncitizen employee issue, Secretary Collins highlighted the need for improved support for disabled veterans and Medal of Honor recipients, bringing attention to bills currently making their way through Congress. One such proposal seeks to increase benefits for the remarkable individuals who have received the prestigious Medal of Honor. Collins stressed that these heroes deserve every bit of recognition and support, as many of them continue to contribute to society even after their service.
On the topic of homelessness among veterans, Collins shared that the situation is being actively addressed, albeit slowly. He mentioned that the V.A. is working to renovate historic buildings to provide housing for homeless and at-risk veterans, an endeavor that has faced various challenges. While some progress has been made, Collins acknowledged that the number of homeless veterans remains a pressing concern. The ultimate goal is to eliminate homelessness among veterans entirely, and Collins emphasized that this task cannot be completed without addressing broader social issues.
The discussion provided an insightful look into the current challenges facing the V.A., while also underscoring the agency’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its personnel. As Secretary Collins aptly put it, having the right people in the right positions is crucial—whether they are citizens or noncitizens—10 provided they are here legally. The conversation raised valuable points about the balance between national security, the treatment of employees, and the need for continuing support for veterans across the board.
