A snapshot of the immigration story in Virginia

Help Save Herndon

This very proposal for a proper day labor site — gave life to another watchdog group — Help Save Herndon.  Their mission? To preserve the American character of their small town. 

Herndon, once a sprawling suburb, today is home to 22,000 people and is the third largest town in Virginia; serving as a bedroom community to white collar professionals working in the office parks that now dot the corridors of this growing town.  The construction boom here — new homes, retail space, hotels and office buildings — is drawing undocumented immigrants North from as far south as Peru.  They are building hotels, homes and the women are working as nannies and housekeepers at the hotels. 

Similarly to many, traditionally Anglo communities across the United States, here long-time residents are struggling with the change Latino immigrants are bringing to this town.

FREE VIDEO Va.: A meeting to discuss the immigration influx Help Save Herndon, a watchdog group, meets and discusses how to preserve the American character of their small town and how to handle criticism for their stance. Dateline NBC

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