VA Memo Sparks Alarm Over Non-Citizen Worker Vetting

Washington D.C. – A recently disclosed internal document from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has brought to light an urgent, large-scale initiative to catalog non-U.S. citizens currently working for or associated with the vast government agency. This sensitive memorandum, obtained by The Guardian, has triggered considerable apprehension within the expansive department, hinting at a potential intensification of immigration scrutiny.

A spokesperson for the Veterans Affairs department confirmed to The Guardian that portions of the newly compiled information would indeed be shared with other federal bodies, specifically for purposes related to immigration enforcement. When questioned about the potential sharing of data with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the spokesperson stated, “VA will share any adverse findings with the appropriate agencies to ensure anyone who is not authorized to be in the US is dealt with accordingly.” The agency further clarified its position, adding, “No one who is not an illegal immigrant has anything to worry about.”

Extensive Vetting Initiative Underway

Despite the VA’s assurances, the forthcoming report is expected to list potentially thousands of individuals, including those with lawful presence in the United States, such as permanent residents holding green cards, and even military veterans who are not U.S. citizens. These individuals now face inclusion in a comprehensive review of non-United States citizens, designed to enhance the vetting of the VA workforce against “personnel suitability and national security standards,” as outlined in the leaked memo.

The directive mandates top department officials, including Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins, to instruct VA offices nationwide to furnish detailed information on non-citizen personnel. This encompasses “full-time and part-time employees, contractors, health professional trainees,” and volunteers engaged with the VA. This broad scope highlights the extensive reach of the new data collection effort across all facets of the department’s operations.

Data Compilation and Reporting Deadline

Once collected from various VA entities, the data will be centralized and compiled by the office of operations, security and preparedness. This internal office, responsible for overseeing security protocols across VA operations, is tasked with assembling the final report for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. The leaked memorandum specifies a clear deadline for this critical submission: “By December 30, 2025, the office of operations, security, and preparedness must provide the secretary of veterans affairs a report of all non-United States citizens who are employed by or affiliated with VA.”

The memo, which was reportedly prepared by the VA chief of staff, Chris…, underscores the serious and systematic nature of this new vetting process. While the department emphasizes its focus on unauthorized immigrants, the wide net cast by this initiative has generated significant unease among a diverse group of individuals who contribute to veteran care and services, raising questions about the implications for legal residents and the broader VA community.

Source: The Guardian