For Immediate Release:
April 26, 2017

Contact:           Jason Stanford, 571-336-2147, info@alfonsolopez.org
                        Preston Pendley, 703-608-5119, mission@fpcusa.org

Fairlington Presbyterian Church Hosts Rally and Vigil in Support of Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The Fairlington Presbyterian Church is hosting a rally and candlelight vigil in support of immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers on the evening of May 6^th in partnership with the Virginia DREAM Project and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. This will be an opportunity for local residents to show their support for immigration reform and immigrants in our community as well as learn more about what they can do to take action at the state and local level.

“This is a great opportunity for members of the community to have a frank and open conversation with advocates and policy makers,” said Denise Gray, an organizer of the event. “Our hope is that people will learn more ways to get involved and take action to protect immigrants in our community.”

“Many people are upset about the way their neighbors are being treated, but they may not know how they can help,” said Preston Pendley, another organizer. “We will hear from legislators working at the state level.  We will also hear from advocates who are working on these issues about the needs and opportunities for how we each participate and be involved.”

“Too many of our friends and neighbors are living in fear of being profiled, harassed, or deported,” said Delegate Lopez. “Immigrants are a vital part of our community and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect just like everyone else.”

“Stoking fear of immigrants is not just divisive and wrong; it makes our community less safe because it discourages immigrants who are crime victims or witnesses from reporting these crimes,” said Delegate Levine. “Our country is a nation of immigrants. We need to fix our broken immigration system, and once again, be the beacon of tolerance and opportunity for the rest of the world.”

This family friendly event will take place on the front lawn of Fairlington Presbyterian Church on King Street. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to wave signs on King Street and enjoy a picnic or purchase from a food truck at the site. Please also bring a blanket or lawn chairs and a candle for the vigil. Snacks and water will be for sale, with proceeds going to Casa Chirilagua. Restrooms and parking are available. In case of rain, the event will be moved to inside the church. 

Event information is also available on Facebook (http://bit.ly/2mPoIHx) and Eventbrite. 

WHO: DREAM Project Board Member Lizzette Arias, DREAMer Giancarla Rojas, Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coalition Kathy Doan, Delegate Alfonso Lopez, Delegate Mark Levine, NOVA Friends of Refugees Kenn Speicher, Lutheran Social Services Autumn Orme, Legal Aid Justice Center Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, Virginia Area Coalition of Latino Organizations Edgar Aranda-Yanoc

WHAT: Open forum with advocates and legislators followed by a candlelight vigil.

WHEN: Saturday, May 6, 2017 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm

WHERE: Fairlington Presbyterian Church, 3846 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302

###