Topic - Hector Barajas

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FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2020, file photo, California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, left, and Orange County Registrar of Voters Neal Kelley hold a news conference on Orange County's comprehensive plans to safeguard the election and provide transparency in Santa Ana, Calif. California election officials have received reports that unofficial ballot drop boxes were placed in several counties and said these set-ups are illegal. The Orange County Register reports Monday, Oct. 12, 2020, that Secretary of State spokesman Sam Mahood said boxes were reported in Fresno, Los Angeles and Orange counties at locations including political party offices, candidate headquarters and churches. He said the state was looking into the origin of the boxes. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

California GOP considers adding more disputed ballot boxes

By ADAM BEAM and AMY TAXIN - Associated Press

Hector Barajas speaks to the media at a news conference outside the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services office in downtown San Diego, Friday, April 13, 2018. Barajas, a decorated former U.S. Army paratrooper whose work on behalf of deported veterans drew widespread attention to his cause, became a U.S. citizen Friday, giving immigration advocates a rare reason to celebrate. (Alejandro Tamayo/The San Diego Union-Tribune via AP)

Deported veteran becomes US citizen after California pardon

By ELLIOT SPAGAT - Associated Press

Hector Barajas, a U.S. Army veteran deported twice to Mexico, celebrated last month with Norma Chavez-Peterson, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of San Diego and Imperial counties, after learning that he would be granted American citizenship. (Associated Press)

Jerry Brown, Andrew Cuomo use pardons to circumvent immigration laws, prevent deportations

By Stephen Dinan - The Washington Times

FILE - In this Feb. 13, 2017, file photo, U.S. Army veteran Hector Barajas, who was deported, poses for a portrait in his office at the Deported Veterans Support House, nicknamed &quot;the bunker&quot; in Tijuana, Mexico. Despite the pain of separation, many deported vets say they wouldn't hesitate to serve again if given the chance. &quot;Where do I sign up?&quot; said Barajas. Deported U.S. Army veteran Barajas is getting U.S. citizenship after California Gov. Jerry Brown pardoned him for a criminal offense and he sued to regain permission to live in the United States. Lawyers for Barajas say they were told Thursday, March 29, 2018, their client should attend a naturalization ceremony on April 13. Barajas is prominent advocate for deported veterans. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

Deported Army veteran wins fight for US citizenship

By ELLIOT SPAGAT - Associated Press