From CASA in Action:
STERLING, Va. _ More than 50 local immigrants and allies rallied outside Rep. Barbara Comstock’s Sterling office [Tuesday night] demanding the Congresswoman follow her words up with actions and support the swift passage of a clean Dream Act along with protection for immigrants with other types of temporary work permits.
Rep. Comstock (R-Va) has said she supports Dreamers but has not backed this up with sponsorship of any legislation that would benefit young immigrants.
For protesters who braved cold temperatures during the rally and vigil Tuesday evening, immediate action is needed.
“To me, it’s important that my friends, neighbors, and families in Manassas and Virginia are protected. I also think it’s very important that a Congresswoman who represents a district that is so diverse stands with us in solidarity and has a strong position in support of undocumented communities and TPS holders,” Sumi Yi, 10th district constituent and NAKASEC Community Organizer.
Dreamers are undocumented youth who came here as children and received a reprieve from deportation through an executive action known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The Trump Administration ended the program in September giving eligible Dreamers a month to apply for one last renewal.
“This is my 5th visit to Congresswoman Barbara Comstock’s office and each time she has refused to meet with members of her community. It is my duty as a resident of District 10, and as a DACAmented immigrant, to speak on behalf of my community. I cannot sit back and watch as Congresswoman Comstock does nothing for the community I grew up in, especially the immigrant community I am a part of,” Aurea Galvan, Mason DREAMers leader and 10th District constituent.
Activists also called for the protection of those holding Temporary Protective Status. Those are immigrants from 22 countries that suffered a catastrophic natural disaster or civil strife who have been working and contributing to the economy. The Department of Homeland Security ended TPS for Haitians giving them 18 months to return to their country.
The largest group of TPS holders come from El Salvador, more than 190,000 and a large part of them live in the the Washington, DC area.
“We stand in full support of our immigrant neighbors as they call for a clean DREAM Act and a legislative solution to provide a permanent status to people with TPS,” said Mary Supley Foxworth of the Herndon-Reston chapter of Indivisible. “They have made their homes in the communities we share with them. We welcome our neighbors and call on our elected officials to stop creating fear and, instead live up to our American ideals and create a path to citizenship.”
The rally was organized by CASA and NAKASEC with support from these other organizations: Mason DREAMers, SEIU 32BJ, VACIR, Legal Aid Justice Center, Faith in Public Life, DMV Sanctuary, LiUNA
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