Virginia groups unite against illegals

By Seth McLaughlin

December 20, 2007

Seven grass-roots organizations across Virginia have joined together to form a statewide coalition to lobby state officials for tougher enforcement of immigration laws.

The umbrella group, called Save the Old Dominion, was started Dec. 13. A mission statement on the group's Web site, at www.savetheolddominion.org, says its members are dedicated to "preserving the commonwealth for future generations" and "pursuing legislative action in Virginia to reduce the number of illegal aliens unlawfully present in the commonwealth."

Greg Letiecq, president of the group Help Save Manassas and a co-founder of Save the Old Dominion, said yesterday that the group plans to form a political action committee. He said organizers likely will file for tax-exempt 501(c)4 status that will allow the group to accept donations, which organizers plan to use to support their lobbying efforts.