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A small group of students from Spanish Club and Advanced Spanish class went to the Annual Immigrant Advocacy Day in Richmond is where Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACOLAO) brings immigrant rights advocates and allies to speak with legislators on policy issues impacting immigrants in the Commonwealth. This year's focus was on advocating for driver's licenses for all Virginia immigrants who would qualify but for their immigration status. Students got to lobby policymakers and be in the House Chambers.
The Annual Immigrant Advocacy Day in Richmond is where the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations (VACOLAO) brings immigrant rights advocates and allies to speak with legislators on policy issues impacting immigrants in the Commonwealth. It was an advocacy event where participants were provided with talking points and policy briefings before we were organized into groups to speak with lawmakers (state delegates and state senators) to advocate on specific issues pending before the General Assembly.
This year, the group's focus was on advocating for driver's licenses for all Virginia immigrants who would qualify but for their immigration status. These drivers licenses would make roads safer and would allow for immigrants to be able to drive their families to and from work and school in many areas of Virginia where there is no public transportation. Hannia Magallanes and Dr. Catalina Esguerra volunteered as interpreters for those sharing their stories, and Kennedy Johnson was one of the policy presenters. Rheannon Loth and Jessica Hall were active participants, as well, and all 4 of the students shared that the trip had been meaningful and eye-opening, in terms of seeing how legislation at any level got passed.
Students were joined by community members from Charlottesville and around the state, as well as other high school students—many of whom were immigrants themselves.
Dr. Esguerra commented: “I was proud as the students were engaged observers, and we all learned more about the issues that affect these communities of immigrants.” At the end of the visit, students visited the house and senate galleries, where their work was recognized by Delegate Elizabeth Guzmánfrom the 31st District of VA.
