Santa Ana Allows Non-Citizens to Serve on Public Boards and Commissions March 17, 2021 Updated: March 17, 2021 Santa Ana has become the first Orange County city to allow non-U.S. citizens without legal immigration status to serve on its commissions and boards. City council voted unanimously March 15 to amend the language of an ordinance that allows non-registered voters to run for board and commission seats. The term “qualified elector of the city” was changed to “resident of the city.” Santa Ana “desires to remove barriers that prevent active participation by all city residents in city government,” the ordinance said. “Consistent with this philosophy is the inclusion of all residents of the city for consideration for appointment to the city’s boards and commissions.”