Virginia LULAC Officially Releases Our 2026 Policy Agenda
- Virginia LULAC
- Dec 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 6
Virginia LULAC’s mission is to make Virginia a safe, welcoming, and just place for all residents.This year, our advocacy will focus on advancing inclusive public safety, protecting privacy, and expanding access to essential services.
Among our policy priorities for 2026, the following three initiatives will be at the forefront of our work:
1- End State-Level Cooperation with ICE and Block 287(g) Agreements
Policy Statement:Virginia LULAC calls for the elimination of all current and future collaboration between Virginia state and local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including blocking Section 287(g) agreements and prohibiting any voluntary cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Expanded Explanation:
What 287(g) is: Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes the Department of Homeland Security to enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement so that designated officers can perform certain immigration enforcement functions on behalf of ICE.
Current context in Virginia: In 2025, Virginia’s governor signed an executive order directing the Virginia State Police and Department of Corrections to enter into 287(g) agreements with ICE and urging local jails to fully cooperate with these enforcement efforts.
Policy goal: State law should prohibit any county, city police department, or sheriff’s office in Virginia from entering into 287(g) agreements or similar formal or informal arrangements with federal immigration authorities.
Why this matters: Local law enforcement collaboration with ICE undermines trust between immigrant communities and public safety institutions, discourages reporting of crime, and has been linked to racial profiling and unnecessary immigration-related detention. Ending this cooperation allows law enforcement to focus on community safety rather than federal immigration enforcement. Advocates argue this shift is essential to building trust and ensuring all community members feel safe seeking help from police. (New Virginia Majority, New Virginia majority statement on 287(g) 2025)
2 - Limit DMV Information Sharing with Federal Immigration Authorities
Policy Statement:Enact statutory protections to restrict the sharing of Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) driver and vehicle information with federal agencies—including ICE—especially given Virginia’s issuance of Driver Privilege Cards without immigration status verification.
Expanded Explanation:
Driver Privilege Cards: Virginia issues Driver Privilege Cards to residents who cannot demonstrate lawful presence in the U.S. These cards allow undocumented residents to drive legally but are not compliant with federal REAL ID standards.
Current data sharing: Under existing law, the DMV can release personal driver and vehicle information—including names, addresses, and photos—if a requesting government agency asserts a legitimate purpose. Federal law (e.g., the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act) also governs such disclosures.
Policy goal: New state law should restrict DMV data sharing with federal immigration authorities by requiring a judicial warrant, subpoena, or court order before any DMV information can be released for civil immigration enforcement purposes.
Why this matters: Without robust legal protections, DMV records can be used to locate individuals for immigration enforcement, deterring eligible residents from obtaining lawful driving credentials and harming public safety by discouraging cooperation with law enforcement.
3 - Protect and Expand Healthcare – Medicaid & “Cover All Kids”
Policy Statement:Protect Virginia’s Medicaid program and enact legislation to create universal, state-funded health coverage for all children residing in Virginia regardless of immigration status (“Cover All Kids”).
Expanded Explanation:
Current coverage: Virginia’s Medicaid and FAMIS (Children’s Health Insurance Program) provide comprehensive coverage for eligible children based on income and legal status. However, children who are undocumented or whose families lack qualifying immigration status are often excluded, even if they otherwise meet eligibility requirements. (The Commonwealth Institute, Cover all kids 2025)
Cover All Kids proposal: Advocates support legislation that would establish a state-funded health coverage program for children under 19 who would qualify for Medicaid/FAMIS if not for immigration status restrictions.
Components of the proposal:
Provide equivalent benefits to Medicaid—including preventive, dental, and behavioral health services.
Ensure strong privacy protections, limiting disclosure of information for immigration enforcement unless a judicial order is obtained.
Expand outreach and enrollment support with language access and community engagement.
Why this matters: Thousands of children in Virginia remain uninsured due solely to immigration status limitations, even when their families meet income eligibility. A “Cover All Kids” policy would improve access to preventive care, reduce emergency care costs, and contribute to better long-term public health and economic outcomes for Virginia families.
Virginia LULAC stands committed to advancing policies that protect families, safeguard privacy, and ensure all Virginians—regardless of immigration status—can live with dignity, security, and opportunity.
To view our full list of Policy Priorities, please see the materials below. These policies may be updated as advocacy progresses throughout the year.
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About Virginia LULAC
Virginia LULAC is the state chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the nation’s longest-serving Latino civil rights organization. Our mission is to advance the economic condition, educational attainment, political influence, health, housing, and civil rights of Hispanic Americans in the Commonwealth of Virginia and beyond.
Virginia LULAC
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