Growing up undocumented in NYC after crossing the Mexico-US border at age five, Cesar dreamed of serving the country he called home. It’s a vision that he has realized in spades. From becoming New York’s first undocumented attorney, to enlisting in the U.S. Army, to joining the Reserves and finally becoming a citizen, Cesar’s 30-year journey has shaped him into a patriot, a thought leader, and a fearless advocate.

The U.S. has more than half a million non-citizen veterans. There are 45,000 immigrants in active service; five thousand enlist each year. Yet it is estimated that hundreds of veterans from New York City and across the country are deported each year. (The true number is obscured by immigration authorities’ records)

Immigrants are promised expedited citizenship when they enlist, but in reality long, complicated processes and lack of legal assistance in the military make it hard for members to gain citizenship, and too many soldiers live in fear of being deported. Cesar is building a new network of support for these service members and veterans, starting with his position in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps which represents the Army and service members in legal matters. Empowering immigrants-in-uniform to navigate two complicated systems – immigration and military law – Cesar is making sure their service and sacrifice is honored.