We aim to make Southeastern Virginia a more welcoming place for immigrants.

My name is Alejandro, and I’m a high school student in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

I am deeply interested in immigrant issues and the vibrancy of local immigrant communities. The topic of immigration hits close to home for me—my mother immigrated from her home country of Bolivia to the U.S., often facing discrimination. Additionally, I have met countless hardworking immigrants, whether they are farm workers from Mexico, refugees from Syria, immigrants from Zimbabwe, or asylum seekers from El Salvador. I have volunteered with organizations seeking to assist these populations. Before meeting people and getting involved, I hardly knew that Hampton Roads had such a diverse population.

At the same time, I have seen xenophobic hartred directed towards our immigrant neighbors. I personally witnessed an anti-immigrant protest in Norfolk, with dozens of people protesting against what they see as an “invasion” of migrants into the country. Some attendees even discussed “exterminating” migrants. Meanwhile, politicians and lobbyists in Richmond oppose common-sense heat protections and minimum wage legislation for migrant agricultural workers. At the national level, politicians have stoked hatred against Arab and Muslim communities.

I started RISC because I saw the need for pro-immigrant advocacy in Hampton Roads, and an outlet to support immigrants independently and by helping other organizations. I hope to motivate more people to get involved and take action.