Senator Tim Kaine is hearing from immigrants and advocates about what might happen to people in Virginia if Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is rescinded.
Giancarla immigrated from Bolivia a decade ago to reunite with her parents. She enrolled at Northern Virginia Community College the same year that President Barack Obama announced Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA. That allowed her to stay in the country despite her immigration status. Now that the Trump administration is considering rescinding DACA, and she’s worried about her own future. She’s also worried about what will happen to her sister.
“And now she’s a high school senior and she wants to go to college. She’s preparing for her essays, and last night she gave me a call. She said I’m scared of what’s about to happen.”
Kaine was at Northern Virginia Community College this week to listen to dreamers and advocates to hear their stories.
“I think a decision that would go back on DACA is a betrayal to them but it hurts society and it hurts these individuals certainly. That’s why I want to hear their individual stories.”
The senator calls the debate over DACA an “existential crisis” for the country.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
