Immigration
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.
In-State Tuition Is a Common Sense, Low-Cost Investment for Virginia
The availability of in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities for Virginians provides a pathway to better jobs and opportunities that benefits students and the state economy.
DREAM ACT: What’s at Stake for Virginia?
On September 5, the Trump Administration announced that it would end DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), the program for immigrants who were brought to the United States as children.