For Immediate Release: December 1, 2014

What: “Light the Way” gathering for comprehensive immigration reform

When: Monday, December 1, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: Town Center of Virginia Beach Fountain (222 Central Park Avenue, Virginia Beach, VA 23462)

Speakers: Individuals directly affected by current immigration policy

Virginia Beach, Va.—Virginia Organizing is holding a gathering at the Town Center of Virginia Beach Fountain on Monday, December 1 at 6:30 p.m. to celebrate President Barack Obama’s recent executive order providing relief to millions of immigrants and to call on Congress to work together to enact comprehensive immigration reform with a path to citizenship.

“I am speaking out tonight because I will no longer have to worry about driving down the street, being exploited at work, and living in the shadows. I can finally be a recognized part of the country I call home,” said Virginia Organizing South Hampton Roads Chapter leader Midian Mejia-Peña.

Mejia-Peña is one of the millions of immigrants who will qualify for relief under the new administrative executive order. Her daughter, Linda Peña, was also excited at the news.

“Let’s be clear; this is relief, not reform,” said Linda Peña of the Virginia Organizing South Hampton Roads Chapter. “We appreciate relief, but we need reform that is comprehensive and inclusive of all undocumented immigrants living in the U.S.”

Virginia Organizing is committed to lifting the voices of directly affected immigrants.

To interview a spokesperson for Virginia Organizing, please contact Amanda Pohl at 804-337-1912 or amanda@virginia-organizing.org.

Virginia Organizing is a non-partisan statewide grassroots organization that brings people together to create a more just Virginia. 

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