Richmond, VA - New Virginia Majority issued the following statement on the DACA Lawsuit: New Virginia Majority on the announcement by Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring today that the state will take legal action challenging the Trump administration’s decision to end DACA for 800,000 immigrant youth.
Virginia joins the growing list of states - more than a dozen - in filing suit against the government.
DACA gives eligible immigrant youth brought to the U.S. as children protection from deportation, and a work permit. We stand with those who commit to protecting and defending the humanity and dignity of our immigrant communities.
“As a DREAMer, I came to the U.S. from Honduras when I was 10 years old. My parents brought me here so that I could have a better future than my country would’ve offered,” said Jennifer, a DACA recipient in Virginia. “I received so much support from my teachers along the way who believed in me and inspired me to thrive even through difficult and uncertain times. Because of them, I want to become a teacher. Because of DACA, I just started my first semester at George Mason University. Now, the protection DACA gave me has been taken away and me and my family don’t know what my future holds. No matter what, I know Virginia is my home and I am here to stay.”
The fearlessness and resilience immigrants across the nation have shown since yesterday’s announcement is a testament to the strength of our communities. These attacks will continuously be met with strategic resistance.
We condemn individuals and institutions that seek to criminalize us as “illegal”, “aliens”, or unworthy. We reject the white supremacy and blame directed at Black and Brown people that led to the decision to end DACA and reject the idea that humanity is merit-based. As people take to the streets, we urge officials and leaders in positions of power and privilege to fiercely protect undocumented youth under attack.
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New Virginia Majority builds power in working-class communities of color across the Commonwealth. We organize for racial and economic justice through large-scale political education, mobilization, and advocacy around dozens of issues. We fight for a Virginia that is just, democratic, and environmentally sustainable.