The Virginian-Pilot
VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia -- Gathering at the Oceanfront, a series of speakers urged Hampton Roads voters to fire elected officials who don't address immigration - and demand that police enforce the law equally and question how decisions made in Washington affect people's quality of life.
"Call Webb, Warner and Drake, and tell them in a nice way that their jobs depend on their vote on immigration," said Bill Buchanan of the American Council for Immigration Reform in Arlington. "Do nothing, and things will get worse. You must direct your efforts to make this state less attractive to immigrants."
About 50 people attended the event - all of whom had to show identification to enter - which was designed to encourage people to join Help Save Virginia. The group grew from Help Save Herndon, a group that came together over concerns about day laborers in their town.
The meeting was sponsored by the Virginia chapter of the Minuteman Civil Defense Corps.
The event was scheduled before the March 30 car crash that killed Virginia Beach teenagers Alison Kunhardt and Tessa Tranchant. Alfredo Ramos, an illegal immigrant, has been charged with aggravated involuntary manslaughter.
Alison's father, David Kunhardt, and Tessa's mother, Colette Tranchant, attended Friday's gathering.
Tessa Tranchant, 16, left, and Allison Kunhardt, 17, were killed March 30th, 2007