In the News

Representative Gerry Connolly (D-VA) released the following statement after the Supreme Court deadlocked 4-4 on the President’s Immigration Executive Actions:

“Today’s Supreme Court decision is a devastating setback for millions of families across the country, and the 4-4 decision highlights the need to fill the Court's vacancy immediately. I’ve had the opportunity to meet personally with many DREAMers from Northern Virginia who contribute to the success of our community. These attacks on DACA and DAPA threaten to break up millions of immigrant families and could derail the bright future of our next generation of leaders. Congress must finally act to pass comprehensive immigration reform.”

Connolly will attend a dinner tomorrow evening with two Northern Virginia DREAMers, Bati Tsogtsaikhan and Max Kim, hosted by The National Korean American Service & Education Consortium (NAKASEC), in Annandale, Virginia. The dinner is part of a nationwide “DAPA Dinners” campaign that invites elected officials to join an immigrant family for a meal to discuss how federal immigration actions impact children, families, and communities.

Bati Tsogtsaikhan, a DACA recipient from Virginia, came to the U.S. with his parents from Mongolia at the age of 10. His younger brother is a U.S. citizen, and, therefore, his parents are DAPA-eligible.  For Bati, DACA has meant having the ability to work legally, drive, and access more affordable tuition. After graduating from George Mason University, he entered the workforce and began a career in finance. In February 2015, he, along with five other “DREAMers,” were invited to the Oval Office to share what DACA meant to them and what the DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents) and expanded DACA (DACA+) programs could do for millions of American families.

Max Kim is a graduating senior at Annandale High School in Annandale, Virginia, and he came to the U.S. when he was five years old. He dreams of one day becoming an entrepreneur in graphic design and to open his own restaurant. He is a strong advocate for immigrant rights including work around the DACA and DAPA programs. Max has submitted his application for DACA.

When: Friday, June 24, at 6:30 PM

Where: 7006 Evergreen Court, Suite 200, Annandale, VA 22202