WASHINGTON, D.C. — More than 80 local law enforcement leaders sent a letter to members of Congress today in support of legislation that would expedite the citizenship process for family members of fallen public safety officers.

The Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Support Act would allow a surviving spouse, child or parent of a U.S. citizen public safety officer who died in service or as a result of their service to apply for U.S. citizenship more quickly by waiving the five-year continuous residence and the 30-month physical presence requirements for naturalization.

The bipartisan bill is named after Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco, who was killed in the line of duty in 2015 after seven years of service. Her husband, Hector Orozco, then became a single father while also facing a wait time of five years before he could begin the naturalization process.

“As law enforcement leaders, we support the Kerrie Orozco Act because it recognizes the sacrifice that families of public safety officers make when a spouse, child or parent dies in service to his or her community,” the letter reads. “Patterned after legal provisions that allow members of Gold Star Families to naturalize after the death of active-duty service members killed in military service, this bill would aid the families of those who sacrifice their lives in the line of duty, allowing them to find stability and permanence at a particularly difficult time.”

The full letter with signatories, including the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), is available here.

The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) and the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) have also voiced support for the bill in letters to Congress.

Law enforcement leaders are available for interview. Please contact Morgan Ryan, 847-828-9148.

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