WASHINGTON — This week lawmakers in Virginia are expected to deal with four bills that either help or target those in the United States illegally.
State lawmakers will decide on whether it is a hate crime if a person is targeted for violence because of immigration status. If passed, HB 1779 would result in a higher criminal penalty for those found guilty of the offense.
Another decision for lawmakers is whether people who are living in the country illegally can get a temporary Virginia driver’s license that would be good for one year. But HB 1682 would require a person to have established residency in Virginia, have filed a tax return in the state, have registered with the Department of Homeland Security and have proof of car insurance.
Another bill deals with allowing immigrants brought to the United States illegally as children, or DREAMERS, being allowed to pay in-state college tuition in Virginia. HB 1857 is sponsored by Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington). The delegate’s bill, according to Capital News Service, would help those living in the country illegally and have been protected by a 2012 executive order called DACA, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, put in place by former President Barack Obama.
While HB 2001, sponsored by Delegate Charles Poindexter (R-Glade Hill), would target those in the country illegally who are attending public colleges in Virginia. If passed it would require employees at public colleges and universities to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in rooting out DREAMERS.
