S3586

The New York State Senate passed legislation establishing the Alex R. Jiminez Military Family Program, marking the first state-level initiative to provide resources assisting discharged veterans and their families in achieving naturalization. The bill (S3586, Calendar No. 1087) passed on a 61-0 roll call vote. The measure was inspired by the case of Staff Sergeant Alex R. Jiminez, who died in Iraq in 2008 after going missing in action. His family faced deportation despite his military service, prompting the legislation. Sen. Nathalia Fernandez, the bill's sponsor, called it historic and said it would help undocumented veterans who face deportation after serving the country. "Every year when we celebrate Veterans Day, Memorial Day, we praise those that have given their life to this country," Fernandez said. "And sadly, many of our veterans who are undocumented, who aren't yet a citizen, then face deportation after serving this country." Sen. Jake Ashby, who originally introduced the bill, recounted meeting Jiminez's family in Queens and described the legislation as an opportunity for New York to lead on supporting those who have served. The bill will take effect 90 days after becoming law.