Taking a Stand on Illegal Immigration

Greg Letiecq formed Help Save Manassas out of what he calls "a huge amount of frustration among residents" over congestion and crowding. (By Jahi Chikwendiu -- The Washington Post)

Prince William Public Schools spokeswoman Irene Cromer said that as of March 11, 763 ESL students were enrolled, compared with 1,393 in October. About 71,537 students are in the entire school district, which is still growing but at a slower rate, she said.

Help Save Manassas members have spent the year lobbying not only locally but also at the state level, Letiecq said. More than 100 bills addressing illegal immigration were introduced, a few of which were passed. One created a state commission to study the issue.

"We've been participating in the community and legislative process, and while it's not accurate to say Help Save Manassas is solely responsible for what's happened, we did help," Letiecq said. "There's a lot we are very proud of."

The group, part of Save the Old Dominion, also joined forces with others around the region by becoming a member of the newly formed Capital Area Alliance Against Illegal Immigration.

Brad Botwin, director of Help Save Maryland, began the Capital Alliance group with the idea that combining organizations would be the most efficient way to get heard.

"The citizens have had enough and are banding together," Botwin said. "We're not a bunch of crazies. We are law-abiding citizens; we are your neighbors, and we are not happy with our elected officials."

While Letiecq considers the year a success for Help Save Manassas, the anniversary won't be marked with parties, festivities or even an observance. Instead, the group's monthly newsletter, "The Front Line," printed an eight-page anniversary section and named its "heroes (the Board of County Supervisors) and zeroes (Mexicans Without Borders)" of the year.