DACA is an important interim step in the absence of comprehensive immigration reform to make lawfully present those young people, often called DREAMers, who were brought here by their parents at a young age, who are contributing to our economy and our Commonwealth, and who have known no home but Virginia. Voting to dismantle this inclusive and commonsense measure, as the House reportedly may try to do today, would tell more than 8,000 young people in Virginia, and thousands more across the country, that they are unwelcome and unvalued. As Attorney General, I recently communicated with our state colleges, universities, and the Virginia Community College System that no provision of federal or state law prohibits DACA students from establishing domicile and receiving in-state tuition rates. As a result, I have had the opportunity to meet with and hear the stories of some of the extraordinary young people who are legally present in our Commonwealth as a result of DACA. I have found them to be exceptional young men and women who have overcome tremendous obstacles in pursuit of the American dream. In some cases they are at the top of their high school class. This is the type of young person Virginia should embrace and encourage, not push back into the shadows. If it comes to a vote today, I hope the House will do the right thing. thedailybeast/articles/2014/08/01/conservative-republicans-stumble-toward-a-border-bill.html
Posted on: Fri, 01 Aug 2014 21:28:12 +0000
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