Massive Marches Planned for Today's National Day of Action for Immigrant Justice

Today, April 10, is the National Day of Action for Immigrant Justice, and marches, rallies and demonstrations are planned in more than 75 cities in 29 states including Arkansas, Pennsylvania, Oregon, North Carolina, Nebraska, Kansas, Connecticut and Colorado.

Immigrants and their allies are marching to oppose the harsh anti-immigrant House bill HR 4437, and to demand just and humane immigration reform that is comprehensive, respects civil rights, reunites families, protects workers, and offers a path to citizenship for the current 11 million undocumented workers who came to the US to fill jobs offered by the US business community. Illegal immigrants were able to enter and live in the US because the White House under George Bush (and to a lesser extent, Bill Clinton) deliberately chose to not enforce borders and immigration laws.

The largest solidarity marches are expected in California, Texas, Florida and Texas, which have the highest concentration of US employers who hire undocumented immigrants.

A primary rally is set for Washington DC, the home of the National Capitol Immigration Coalition, sponsor of today's National Day of Action for Immigrant Justice. Rachel Cooper. About.com's Guide to DC, has all the information on today's rally in Washington DC, including locations, times and info links.

Here in Los Angeles, a candlelight vigil and procession will be held starting at 5 PM today, starting from La Placita Church located at 535 N. Main Street in downtown. The turnout is expected to be massive.....perhaps more than the 500,000 who peacefully demonstrated two weeks ago. And it's my understanding that marchers may be joined by rising Democratic Party star Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa!

The New York Times reports that yesterday, 500,000 people marched in Dallas, "...singing, chanting and waving placards and American flag" in solidarity with undocumented workers. Per the Times, "20,000 rallied in San Diego, 7,000 in Miami, and 4,000 each in Birmingham, Ala., and Boise, Idaho.."

I'll keep you posted today, as people of all ethnicities join together in a historic day of demanding justice and fair treatment for the low-paid immigrant workers who facilitate our everyday lives and enrich our communities, and who help US businesses generate record-level profits.
------------------------------
Related Articles
-- Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahony Pledges to Defy House Bill HR 4437
-- Illegal Immigration Explained: Profits & Poverty, Social Security & Starvation
-- Immigration in America: Protest and Support for HR 4437
------------------------------
Technorati Profile