Immigration
Proposed Public Charge Changes Would Be Harmful, But There’s Still Time To Stop Them
For over a century, the Statue of Liberty has proclaimed a promise of the United States as a refuge and dream for “huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.”
Responsabilidad federal, costos locales: El cumplimiento de las leyes migratorias en Virginia
La aplicación de las leyes de inmigración es una responsabilidad federal, sin embargo, las comunidades locales de Virginia están pagando parte de los costos a través de la cooperación voluntaria de las autoridades locales con el Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) de los EE. UU. El alojamiento de los detenidos, el establecimiento de programas locales de ICE y el maniobro de las cuestiones legales relacionadas con el mismo, aumentan los costos para los gobiernos locales; costos que no son reembolsados por el gobierno federal.
Federal Responsibility, Local Costs: Immigration Enforcement in Virginia
Immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility, yet local communities across Virginia are paying for some of the costs through their local law enforcement’s voluntary cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Housing detainees, establishing local ICE programs, and maneuvering the related legal issues all increase costs for local governments -- costs that are not reimbursed by the federal government.
Key Facts: Immigrants in Virginia (Updated Infographics)
In September, the state Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) released a proposed 1115 demonstration waiver to implement the Creating Opportunities for Medicaid Participants to Achieve Self-Sufficiency (COMPASS) program.
A Closer Look: The Contributions of Black Immigrants to Virginia’s Economy
Black immigrants living in Virginia are an important part of the state’s economy and future. A majority of working-age Black immigrants are employed; many have a bachelor’s degree or higher, and most have lived in the United States for many years.
Refugees are Valuable Contributors to Virginia’s Workplaces
Refugees are major contributors to Virginia’s communities and economy (as we’ve written about before). And a groundbreaking new report by the Fiscal Policy Institute (FPI) and Tent Foundation adds substantial evidence to further demonstrate the valuable role refugees play in the workplace.
Federal Action Threatens Safety of Thousands of Virginians from Honduras
On May 4, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security made a cruel, shortsighted and dangerous decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Hondurans at the start of 2020, meaning that they will have to leave the country voluntarily, somehow gain an alternative immigration status quickly, or be subject to deportation when their status expires.
Words that Hurt: Anti-Sanctuary Bills Traumatize Children and Communities
This legislative session, Virginia lawmakers adopted an anti-immigrant bill that harms immigrant families in the state while likely having no actual impact on immigration policy.
Hands on the Wheel
Twelve states and the District of Columbia already allow unauthorized immigrants to obtain some form of driver’s card. Expanding access to driver’s licenses for unauthorized immigrants would increase safety and help Virginia’s economy and communities.