Ten local anti-illegal-immigration coalitions form regional alliance

The newly formed alliance congregated Thursday morning at the National Press Club in downtown D.C. to announce both its union and its mission, to promote a united strategy of education, outreach and advocacy to end political and legislative support for illegal immigration in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

The alliance opposes sanctuary policies toward illegal aliens and plans to work toward the elimination of all taxpayer-funded programs, organizations, services and benefits utilized to encourage and sustain illegal immigration in the Capital region, including Maryland and Virginia.

Greg Letiecq, executive director of Save The Old Dominion, is the Virginia spokesman for the regional alliance. The unified group will combine resources and jurisdictional awareness so, when issues cross political boundaries, "we are not powerless to continue addressing the issues. Crime, unfortunately, doesn't know political boundaries too well," he said.

Letiecq said he hopes the organization can work toward consistent anti-illegal immigration policies across jurisdictions, thus eliminating sanctuary and catch-and-release policies like those "that currently exist in Alexandria, Arlington and Fairfax counties."

"There are policies that Virginia needs to address," Letiecq told the audience on Thursday. "Some Virginia localities publicly fund day labor centers that provide employment to unlicensed, uninsured and unbonded workers. This is a violation and a felony that is abetted by Fairfax County."

According to the Board of Contractors of the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, a valid Virginia contractor's license is required for any construction work valued at $1,000 or more, under Virginia code 54.1-1103.

"It is a travesty that so much of our Capital-area region is a sanctuary for illegal aliens," said William Buchanan, spokesman for the alliance and a member of Defend DC.

"Local politicians and other leaders should understand that citizens demand safe and secure neighborhoods in which the rule of law prevails. By joining forces, citizens in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia can maximize our effectiveness in seeking political and legal solutions to the illegal immigration crisis."