A system and method for VCSEL (vertical cavity surface emitting laser) polarization control is disclosed, including methods and apparatus comprising a component package (302, 304) having self-aligning features (316, 318), for indicating an alignment axis (320, 322), and an upper surface aperture (314) formed therein, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser device (308) having two emission polarizations (204) normal to one another, disposed within the component package and aligned such that each emission polarization is at about 45 degrees with respect to the alignment axis, and a linear polarization element (400, 402, 406) having a polarization direction (206), spanning the aperture and disposed such that the polarization direction is parallel to the alignment axis.