FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact – Isaac Sarver
evp@vayd.org
(540) 616-8393
FAVOR OF COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM
VAYD denounces AG Cuccinelli’s proposals to discriminate against hardworking Virginians
Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli announced that law enforcement officers can ask about immigration status of anyone stopped or arrested. This condoned discrimination is not just ineffective, it also undermines the hard work that hundreds of thousands of immigrants do in Virginia every day.
"Attorney General Cuccinelli has ripped away the welcome mat for hundreds of thousands of residents of Virginia," said Adam Sharp, Family Caucus Chair of the Virginia Young Democrats. "Law-abiding legal immigrants who are raising families and growing our economy will now potentially have to prove their right to be here every time they interact with law enforcement. Today's opinion should send a chill
through every chamber of commerce in the commonwealth. The Attorney General's message is clear: Virginia is closed to talent, closed to growth and closed for business if that talent, growth and business isn't white."
Immigrants contribute greatly to the economy of Virginia and our nation, noted VAYD President Sean Holihan.
“Virginia, and the United States, can no longer afford to wait any longer on sensible immigration reform,” Holihan said. “With many states across the country, including Virginia, facing hard decisions with the budget at home and in the legislature, a sound policy of comprehensive immigration reform would give more than a $180 billion benefit to the economy.”
About VAYD:
The Virginia Young Democrats is a statewide organization for Democrats under the age of 36. With 51 chapters and 10,000 members, the Virginia Young Democrats are the premiere volunteer organization for Democrats in the commonwealth. Visit vayd.org to learn more about the organization and to contribute to thousands of young Virginians seeking to make Virginia a more equitable place.
