With cries for justice and fair laws, dozens of activists and politicians demanded that the U.S. Senate put an end to its political games and implement a comprehensive immigration reform that would legalize the more than 11 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.
On April 10, union workers, student organizations, parents and teachers in New York City joined a demonstration in support of immigrants: it is considered to be the biggest in the city so far, although no official numbers have yet been determined. These diverse groups shouted in the streets of Manhattan slogans saying “Yes we can!” (¡Sí se puede!) and “Down with Bush!”
According to witnesses, like María Sala from Ecuador, the demonstration stretched from City Hall to Canal Street.
“There were a lot of us. I have never seen anything like it,” said Sala.
The organizers sought to enjoy the afternoon by mixing political speeches with musical performances. Dozens of politicians and community leaders expressed their solidarity with immigrants, saying they have the right to stay in this country.
Congressman José Serrano (D-NY) gave harsh criticism to Republican senators who, he said, “are playing cheap politics,” instead of sitting down to negotiate real immigration reform.
Serrano said that Monday’s protest in New York sent a clear message to the U.S. government about immigrant rights. He asked the community not to be fooled by the Republican senators’ plan.
“What they want is to divide the immigrant community and let some people stay while others are thrown out of the country. It’s the politics of divide and conquer,” Serrano said.
The speeches were sometimes interrupted by the activists, who took advantage of the moment to ask for respect for immigrant rights. New York Democratic Senator Hillary Clinton, who participated in the demonstration, recognized the contribution of immigrants in the development of the U.S. economy.
“We’re sure that we will achieve immigration reform and we will triumph,” Clinton said.
Chanting from the crowd continued as Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) said that every immigrant in this country has the right to a better life, and asked for a comprehensive immigration solution.
In addition, the Democratic candidates for New York State governor tried to garner attention for themselves.
State Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, highlighted his record of defending immigrants, citing his cases against bodegas and florists that pay immigrants below minimum wage. His political rival, Tom Suozzi, a Nassau County executive, told his story of being the son of immigrants.
“As governor, I promise to do everything possible to defend immigrant rights,” said Suozzi.
Members of congress, Nydia Velazquez (D-NY) and Charles Rangel (D-NY), warned of the risks of criminalizing immigrants and the organizations that defend them.
“We are all immigrants. This struggle is for the future of the United States. Republicans need to understand that their fathers and mothers were immigrants,” said Velázquez.
