For Immediate Release: September 15, 2021
The Congresswoman held a roundtable discussion on immigration in the budget reconciliation package with impacted community members from advocacy organization CASA
Virginia — Congresswoman Wexton met with CD10 residents directly impacted by the reconciliation immigration provisions early afternoon on Monday in a virtual roundtable discussion. In an hour-long meeting via Zoom, impacted community members shared their stories with the Congresswoman. Congresswoman Wexton shared updates from Congress on the budget reconciliation bill and reiterated her commitment to immigration and climate justice to the intimate group at the roundtable.
“I appreciate the Virginia-10 DACA and TPS holders for sharing their stories with me today, and I’m grateful for their advocacy to establish a pathway to citizenship,” said Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton. “I’ve been a steadfast supporter of the Dream and Promise Act because immigrants make our community and our local economy stronger. Dreamers and TPS holders are Americans in every way except law, which is why I share the concerns raised today about getting a pathway to citizenship passed through Congress as soon as we can, including through the reconciliation process.”
“It was a pleasure to welcome Congresswoman Wexton to meet with CASA members and impacted community members in the midst of the budget reconciliation negotiation,” said Luis Aguilar, CASA’s Virginia Director. “We thank the Congresswoman for her ongoing support and for taking the time today to meet with those who will be truly affected by this momentous opportunity to win citizenship through reconciliation. We know the reconciliation process can be confusing, and we are grateful to the Congresswoman for sharing her personal update on the debate. With support from the public, the White House, and Democrats in Congress, we are confident that this will be the year that Congress delivers a pathway to citizenship for immigrants in this country.”
“I didn’t know about my immigration status until I reached high school and I couldn’t get my driver’s license,” said Lucia Ballon, CASA member from Virginia and DACA recipient from Peru. “Luckily at that time – and through CASA’s support – I became informed about the newly rolled out DACA program. But DACA is temporary. It’s now been almost 10 years, and I’m getting ready to reapply to the program for the fifth time. With the support of Congresswoman Wexton, I’m hopeful that Congress will finally give DACA holders permanent status.”
###
With over 115,000 members across the states of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, CASA is the largest member-based Latino and immigrant organization in the mid-Atlantic region. Visit us at www.wearecasa.org and follow us on Twitter at @CASAforall.
