Santa Cruz Az Gop

07/30/2026

Thursday, August 13, 2026

07/07/2026

Did you know that some veterans who fought for the United States in the Vietnam War were later deported to Mexico?

Many were lawful permanent residents who served honorably in our military. After returning home, some struggled with PTSD, substance abuse, and the lasting effects of war. Some were convicted of crimes, never completed the process of becoming U.S. citizens, and remained legal permanent residents.

Then, in 1996, Congress passed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA). Among other changes, the law greatly expanded the list of criminal convictions that could trigger deportation and made many lawful permanent residents, including military veterans, subject to mandatory removal. Since then, thousands of non-citizens, including veterans, have been deported after completing their criminal sentences.

Today, many of these veterans live in Mexico, separated from the country they fought to defend. Some suffer from illnesses linked to Agent Orange and face significant challenges accessing VA health care and benefits they may have earned through their military service.

This isn't about ignoring the law. It's about asking whether we, as a nation, have done right by the men and women who answered America's call to serve. They served their country, served their sentences, and many are now living in exile from the nation they once wore a uniform to defend.

What do you think? Should honorably discharged veterans who were deported under the 1996 law have a pathway to return or at least receive the benefits they earned through their military service? Share your thoughts below. Let's have a respectful discussion.

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

Thank you everyone for your help preparing for and cleaning up after the Candidate event yesterday. It was a real group effort and it was a complete success. Positive comments are coming from Candidates and their representatives alike. It was good seeing so many new and familiar faces like Butierez For Congress , Cheryl Caswell , Elijah Norton , Lupe Diaz , Kevin Thompson for Corp Comm , and José Castro. Special thanks to Dan, Colleen Bathe , Gerry Navarro , Blanca Jaidar-Navarro : you are THE BOMB.

05/09/2026

Join the Santa Cruz Republican Party as we welcome your candidates , , , , , , , , , and

04/16/2026

Please come help us honor these two special people.