Business leaders unite to protect legal rights of immigrants in Virginia

Jan 15, 2008 - Richmond

Leaders of the Ayuda Business Coalition traveled to Richmond this week to kick off a lobbying and advocacy campaign on immigration related bills before the Virginia Legislature.

More than 100 anti-immigrant bills have been introduced this session. The majority deal with restricting services and higher education to immigrants, new mandates on business to enforce immigration laws, having state government only publish documents in English, and authorizing state police to enforce immigrations laws. The Coalition support proposals to establish a state Office of Immigrant Services and providing access to college to a targeted group of undocumented minors.

During this two-day event, members of the Coalition held a reception to support and recognize groups working with us, held private meetings with Senators and Delegates, and met with senior staff for Governor Kaine. "Now is the time to mobilize and build political support to defeat these bills," said Mauricio Vivero, executive director of Ayuda. The Coalition is working closely with other business groups and nonprofit organizations on these issues.