Two undocumented immigrants were appointed to the Huntington Park commissions on Monday despite coming to the United States illegally.

According to the Los Angeles Times, Julian Zatarain was appointed to the Huntington Park parks and recreation commission while Francisco Medina was appointed to the health and education commission.

"I'm speaking out for people like me," Zatarain said. "I'm not doing anything wrong."

The 21-year-old college student came to the United Sates from Sinaloa in 2007, when he was just 13 years old. He was unaware he could get a position at City Hall. Instead, he volunteered with the Red Cross and with another organization that helps young people just like him to gain access to educational resources.

Appointing undocumented immigrants to such positions marks a start to helping immigrants in their situation to become more involved in city government. A good portion of immigrants living in the small southeast LA County city are undocumented.

"Our population includes documented and undocumented immigrants, and I wanted to make sure everyone could participate," Huntington Park Mayor Karina Macias said. "If we're going to talk about transparency, being open and having a community that's involved, then the conversation also has to include undocumented immigrants. I'm hoping other cities are looking at what we're doing here."

The appointments are believed to be the first in the nation where an undocumented immigrant has been appointed to serve in a government position, according to The New York Times.

"They bring a lot to the table," Macias added. "And it really empowers, or at least gives a voice, for those undocumented in the community."

State law does not prohibit undocumented immigrants from serving as appointed commissioners.

Yet, immigrants without legal status are not allowed to vote or seek elected office in the U.S. and employers are not allowed to hire anyone they know is not authorized to work in the country.

Related