With 2018 elections stakes running high, Democratic and Republican candidates for U.S. Congress pitched their platforms to a diverse gathering at the Candidate Forum, which emanated a timely reminder on the enormous contributions of Virginia immigrants.
The event – hosted by Virginia International University in collaboration with Multicultural Chambers Alliance – brought together community leaders, activists and entrepreneurs from immigrant communities, which Democratic Senator and former vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine credited with transforming the state’s economy.
“I am so proud of our immigrant communities. I believe immigration is an opportunity,” he said countering the narrative, espoused by some GOP politicians – that immigrant influx spawns crime and unemployment.
“From the very beginning of this country, immigration has been a source of strength for us,” he argued, citing Thomas Jefferson’s foundational principles and the Declaration of Independence.
The incumbent senator particularly highlighted the impact that immigrants have had on Virginia’s economy over the past half century.
“When I was born, in Virginia one out of every 100 Virginians was an immigrant. Today it is one out of every nine. And in that period, we have gone from bottom quarter of family income to top quarter.”
Immigration has been a top political issue since President Donald Trump began his White House term following 2016 election victory. Some radical changes to policies his administration has pursued – travel ban on mostly Muslim majority countries, the future of DACA beneficiaries, a reduction in the number of refugees the U.S. takes in, separation of families seeking to enter the U.S. illegally – have become international issues.
Virginia is one of the major states with significant population of diverse communities from Asia, the Middle East, South Asia and Africa, and studies have shown how immigrant entrepreneurs have made a positive difference through economic development.
The Candidate Forum became a befitting platform for bipartisan discussion as VIA says it supports commitment to diversity and respect. VIU President, Dr. Isa Sarac welcomed the candidates to the forum in his brief address.
The Multicultural Chamber Alliance that sponsored the event comprises some of the vibrant business organizations including Asian-American Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, and the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
VIU President Dr. Isa Sarac and Senator Tim Kaine
Republican Senate candidate Corey Stewart, who has often faced criticism for his stance toward immigrants, said there is a difference between illegal and legal immigration.
“We are going to do something about illegal immigration because at the end of the day there is a big difference between somebody who comes across the border illegally, many of whom are committing crime and somebody, who comes into our country, waiting in line sometimes way too long, obeys all the rules and comes here to become part of America. There is a big difference between an illegal alien and somebody who comes into our country legally.”
“Lawful immigration is good for America,” the GOP candidate said, calling it the only way to make sure that somebody that comes into America is not going to be dependent on government resources, does not have a criminal background, and is not coming to harm America.
Mr. Michel Zajur, Dr. Cindy Shao and Mr. Edward Williams from Multicultural Chambers Alliance
Photo: VIU
Democratic Congressman Gerry Connolly, Virginia’s 11th Congressional District incumbent mounted a strong defense of immigration, saying over the years the crime rate in Virginia has dropped contrary to fears that influx of immigrants would create law and order problems.
Connolly rejected the criticism against family immigration, saying it is not chain immigration but family reunion.
