Supporting Immigrant Communities

Immigrants are what make our Commonwealth great. In Prince William County, where my district is located, nearly 25% of the population are immigrants. Virginia’s immigrant families strengthen our communities, undergird our local economies, and bring incredible diversity and dynamism to our Commonwealth. 

The ways we leave immigrant families behind are unconscionable. This is evident in the significant disparities in COVID-19 outcomes, with Latinx communities among the hardest hit.These disparities stem largely from longstanding. systemic inequities such as  disparate access to healthcare, inadequate housing, and jobs that don’t have paid medical leave or an option to stay home to stay safe during this pandemic (roughly one in six Hispanic workers are able to work from home compared to nearly 1 in 3 white workers). 

As Delegate, I have:

• Called on Governor Northam to ensure broader outreach to Latinx families during COVID-19
• Called for greater rent support for all Virginians, regardless of their immigration status 
• Fought for increased funding for rent relief programs and representation for eviction proceeding cases
• Worked to pass the Virginia Dream Act, bringing higher education to all our Virginians regardless of their immigration status
• Supported legislation to make it possible for undocumented residents to acquire driver’s licenses
• Proposed a budget amendment to repeal the 40-Quarter rule, an outdated work restriction that prevents many from accessing the healthcare that they need

I’m excited to continue these efforts as Governor, enacting policies that are rooted in equity to build a better Virginia for all.