Leaked memo shows US veterans affairs officials screening non-citizen workers

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is assembling a large, urgent internal database of non-US citizens employed or affiliated with the agency, according to a leaked memo obtained by the Guardian. This move has sparked concern within the department about potential immigration enforcement actions.

A VA spokesperson confirmed that some of the collected information will be shared with other federal agencies, including for immigration purposes. The spokesperson emphasized that only individuals not authorized to be in the US are at risk, stating, No one who is not an illegal immigrant has anything to worry about.

Thousands of people, including permanent residents, legal non-citizens, and even veterans, could be listed in the upcoming report aimed at vetting VA personnel for national security and suitability standards. Department leaders, including VA Secretary Doug Collins, have instructed offices nationwide to submit data on non-citizen employees, contractors, trainees, and volunteers.

The VAs Office of Operations, Security, and Preparedness will compile the data into a report for the Secretary, due by December 30, 2025. The memo, dated November 15 and authored by VA Chief of Staff Christopher Syrek, was circulated to senior department officials.

The VA stated that the vetting process is required by federal law to ensure all employees and affiliates meet government standards for trusted personnel. However, the leaked memo focuses exclusively on non-citizens, not US citizens.

Some current and former VA officials expressed alarm, warning that the initiative could target the workforce under an aggressive anti-immigration agenda. The VA employs over 450,000 people and partners with thousands of contractors nationwide, providing services such as healthcare, education, and rehabilitation to veterans.

The memos broad scope could include healthcare professionals, medical trainees, researchers, volunteers, and support staff. Illinois Congresswoman Delia Ramirez criticized the effort, calling it an authoritarian tactic that could intimidate non-citizen employees providing essential services.

While it is unclear if the data will be shared directly with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the VA confirmed that other federal agencies will receive the information. Experts warn that compiling this database could create fear among employees and potentially impact patient care.

The memo instructs that all personnel with access to VA facilities and systems must be vetted according to law and national security policies. Failure to comply could result in access termination or removal of unvetted staff. Over a quarter of VA employees are veterans themselves, and US citizenship is not required to serve in the military.

Recent VA staffing cuts and federal data-sharing initiatives, including cooperation with DHS and ICE, have raised additional concerns about workforce morale and service quality. Policy analysts warn that targeting non-citizen workers could jeopardize both employee stability and patient safety in veteran healthcare facilities.

Author: Benjamin Carter