ADVOCACY TOPICS -- ADDENDUM -- VIRGINIA DREAM ACT

[jus...@stcharleschurch.org]

VIRGINIA DREAM ACT - CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATOR
During this General Assembly session several bills have been introduced into both the Virginia House and Senate that would grant in-state tuition to undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States as children and meet certain requirements to establish Virginia residency.  HB1525 (Delegate Rust) and SB1233 (Senator Ebbin) are scheduled to be heard in committee this week and your legislators need to hear your support.   Both the USCCB and the Virginia Catholic Bishops support any measure to grant immigrants who arrived in the United States as children an equal opportunity to receive a college education.  Students who would be eligible for this program did not choose to come to this country; however, they have worked hard, excelled in school, and become vital components of their local community. These children should not be denied equal access to higher education due to their immigrant status.   The Virginia Dream Act will allow qualified students the ability to continue their education, providing them with greater opportunities to gain legal status, maintain stable family connections, and meaningfully contribute to civic and social life within the Commonwealth. Immigration reform efforts reflect our Catholic values. Please contact your Delegate and Senator today and ask them to support the Virginia Dream Act. Use the following link for a message that you can personalize and send:  http://capwiz.com/vacatholic/issues/alert/?alertid=62341876.