The 1,800-member organization behind the push for Prince William County’s illegal-immigration crackdown is taking its mission statewide in a contentious split from its parent organization, Help Save Virginia.

Help Save Manassas is forming Save the Old Dominion to urge the General Assembly to pass new immigration reforms and create new chapters around the state, adopting the same functions of Help Save Virginia.

“People are saying, ‘I need something in Richmond and I need something in my area,’” said Greg Letiecq, president of Help Save Manassas. “We need a new organization to support that.”

But two founding members of Help Save Virginia said there has been concern with Letiecq’s leadership style, especially his request for financial support to lead the organization.

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In an e-mail to members obtained by The Examiner, Letiecq claimed to have burned through his savings account and credit card to the tune of $14,000 championing the cause.

“Please consider making a contribution to Help Save Manassas that will be used to keep me afloat for a while longer while I work hard for you,” Letiecq wrote in a Sept. 17 plea.

Letiecq said he only took reimbursement for a printing order and said it was fair to ask supporters for financial support, noting it became a full-time obligation.

“It’s hard to save the world if you can’t pay the rent,” Letiecq said.

But a Help Save Virginia founding member who worried the split could dilute the message said Letiecq showed poor judgment.

“This should be more about stopping illegal immigration and less about personal gain,” Phil Jones said.

Another illegal immigration critic lauded the new group, saying it’s sorely needed in the state’s discussion.

“The Help Save Virginia effort is still in its formative stages and Help Save Manassas has such an incredible track record,” said Joseph Budzinski, president of Help Save Loudoun.

Immigrant advocates decried the new outfit, saying its name invites criticism.

“Save the Old Dominion — that tells you a lot,” immigrant lobbyist Claire Guthrie Gustanaga said. “They want to go back to the past, they want to keep Virginia the way it has always has been, instead of embracing diversity.”

dgenz@dcexaminer.com