A number of immigration protests are planned for today across the country. From the AP:
Though this year's turnout will likely be lower, organizers say immigrants feel a sense of urgency to keep immigration reform from getting pushed to the back burner by the 2008 presidential elections.
"If we don't act, then both the Democratic and Republican parties can go back to their comfort zones and do nothing," said Angelica Salas, director of the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. "They won't have the courage to resolve a major situation for millions of people."...
The [White House] plan would grant illegal immigrants three-year work visas for $3,500 but also require them to return home to apply for U.S. residency and pay a $10,000 fine. It has been roundly criticized by immigrant groups.
The NYC rally, which is being organized by the New York Immigration Coalition, will involve immigrants pinning leaves on a paper tree, per the AP, "to symbolize the separation of families because of strict immigration laws." It will start at 2PM, with an interfaith prayer service at Judson Memorial Church (on Washington Square South), then a rally in Washington Square Park between 2:30PM and 3:30PM, culminating in a march to Union Square at 3:30PM.
The NY Immigration Coalition's website says, "Support: A path to citizenship for ALL undocumented immigrants; Family reunification; Restore due process and stop the raids; New worker program with a path to citizenship; Workers rights for ALL workers! FAMILY UNITY IS A HUMAN RIGHT!"
Photograph from an April 2006 immigration rally by themikebot on Flickr
