How Could Mass Deportation Plans Affect Virginia?

 Posted on November 25, 2024 in English

Virginia’s Cardinal News reported some eye-opening facts in March 2024 regarding how mass deportation could affect the state. For the most part, that effect would not be positive. The most recent estimates from the Migration Policy Institute are from 2016, which placed Virginia’s undocumented population at about 250,000. It is safe to assume that this number has likely increased over the past eight years.

So, what would be the impact of removing a quarter of a million people – 70 percent of which are employed – from Virginia’s workforce? As you might imagine, the effect would be substantial. Family immigration issues are in a precarious place right now, leaving many filled with anxiety about the future. If you or a loved one are seeking some form of family-based immigration, now is the time to speak to a knowledgeable Herndon, VA family immigration attorney from Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC.

How Would Deportation Affect Virginia’s Workforce?

The biggest impact of removing more than 165,000 workers from the state would be felt in the construction industry. About 31 percent of Virginia’s undocumented workers are employed in construction. Mass deportation would remove about 50,000 workers or almost a quarter of the total number of construction workers across the state. This would almost certainly slow construction and result in already high housing costs becoming even higher.

Another 16 to 18 percent of employed undocumented workers are in the food services and hotel/motel industries. What may be most surprising to some is that 23 percent of the undocumented workers in the state over the age of 25 have a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is a higher level of college than in any locality in SW Virginia except for Washington County, which is about 23.4 percent.   

Many Virginia businesses are currently having difficulty finding workers; removing more than a quarter of a million workers from the state will increase these difficulties. Eight years ago, in 2016, undocumented workers paid between $200.2 and $304.4 million each year in Virginia state taxes. Removal of that money would also have an adverse effect.  Consider these Virginia numbers:

• Thirty percent, or about 75,000 undocumented immigrants in Virginia, own their own homes.
• Twelve percent are married to an American citizen.
• Thirty-two percent have at least one child who is an American citizen.

Parenthood, marriage, and employment have made Virginia’s undocumented immigrants an integral part of the state. The question now is what steps those who are potentially facing deportation can take should the threats of mass deportation materialize.

How to Create a Safety Plan for Your Family

If you or a family member could potentially be facing deportation, consider the following:

• Identify an emergency contact and provide this person with information and copies of documentation for each family member.   
•  Provide your child's school with the emergency contact number and give that emergency contact legal authorization to make decisions for your child should the worst happen.
• Keep all your legal documents, including identity information, financial documents, passport, and proof of two years of physical presence in the U.S. in a safe place that your emergency contact can access.
• You do have rights, including the right not to speak to immigration officers. Stay calm, and do not resist if arrested, even if you believe your rights are being/have been violated.
• If you have lawful immigration status, always carry your work permit, legal permanent resident card, or other documentation with you at all times.
• You do not have to legally open your door if an ICE officer knocks.
• Speak to an experienced Virginia immigration attorney about your immigration status as soon as possible.

Contact a Fairfax County, VA Immigration Attorney

When you choose a Herndon, VA immigration attorney from Immigration Legal Advisors, PLLC, you have chosen a supportive, full-service immigration firm with more than 20 years of experience. We are ready to help you with any family-based immigration issue. Call 571-441-2233 to schedule a free consultation. We speak English and Spanish.