What: Statewide Events to Support DACA
When: From November 9-19 (see schedule below)
Where: Danville, Eastern Shore, Lynchburg, Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Newport News, Norfolk, Blacksburg
Charlottesville, Va. — Eight chapters of Virginia Organizing will hold rallies, prayer vigils, and other events for DACA between November 9 and 19. Members want their representatives in Congress to know that they support the Dream Act and DACA recipients.
In 2012, President Obama created the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA allows young people who were brought to the United States without documentation to remain in the country, get a work permit, and live without fear of deportation. The Trump Administration wants to end the program, putting 700,000 young immigrants at risk. The Supreme Court will hear the case on November 12 to determine their fate.
“As a DACA recipient, I know firsthand how important this Supreme Court case is,” said Eli Salgado, a Virginia Organizing member in Henry County and leader of the Southern Virginia Latino Association. “I grew up here. I went to school here. I work here. This is my community. It’s time to pass the DREAM Act and make these protections permanent.”
Sergio Neal, a leader of Virginia Organizing’s Portsmouth Chapter, is coming to the rally in Norfolk to demand protection for immigrants.
“Immigrants are important to this country because they bring their culture and skill sets with them for all of us to learn and enjoy. Having a diverse population filled with immigrants and natives is what has allowed America to be the thriving country it is today,” Neal said.
Schedule of events:
Saturday, November 9
Rally to Protect Dreamers in Danville
427 Patton St. (outside City Hall) from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Rally for the Dreamers on the Eastern Shore
36190 Lankford Hwy., Belle Haven, VA 23306
(Foundation of Faith Ministries) from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Prayer Vigil to Protect DACA in Lynchburg
900 Jackson Street (Jackson Street United Methodist Church) from 1-2 p.m.
Monday, November 11
Home is Here: DACA Vigil – Day of Action – Potluck in Harrisonburg
154 N. Main St. (Holy Family Center at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church)
from 6:30 – 8:30pm
Tuesday, November 12
Rally to Protect Dreamers in Charlottesville
255 W. Main St. (outside the federal courthouse) from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Rally to Protect Dreamers in Norfolk
600 Granby St. (outside the federal courthouse) from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Candlelight Vigil for DACA in Newport News
701 Town Center Drive (the Fountain at City Center) from 6 – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, November 19
Teach-in to Protect DACAin Blacksburg
Squires Student Center (190 College Avenue); Brush Mountain Room A at 6 p.m.
To interview a spokesperson about these events, contact Rosemary Gould at 434-962-7261 or rosemary@virginia-organizing.org.
