http://www.democratandchronicle.com/app ... /1002/NEWS

Protest spotlights illegal immigrants' plight


Dolores Orman
Staff writer


(October 1, 2006) — Carrying signs with messages such as "Immigrants are Welcome" and "Amnesty, Civil Rights and Justice," about 50 people demonstrated and marched Saturday afternoon in downtown Rochester in support of immigration rights.

The primary focus was the welfare of undocumented workers who are in the United States without the required legal papers.

"We're calling for (the federal government) to stop the raids and deportations until legislation is passed next year," said Roberto Resto, an organizer, citing one of the issues.

Among the demonstrators were about 10 members of Sigma Lambda Upsilon, a Latina-based sorority for Rochester-area college students.

"We believe in equality for everyone," said Ana Pena, 20, a University of Rochester junior who expressed concern for the treatment of undocumented immigrants who "come here and make a life for themselves and their families."

Halting raids at places of employment and a visa program to re-unite separated families are high on the issues list of the Rochester Alliance for Immigrant Rights.

The group organized the event in observance of the National Day of Action called by the National Alliance for Immigration Rights.

At the Federal Building rally, Brian Erway, another organizer, gave a cardboard scroll listing "Our Hopes" to a security guard for delivery to U.S. Rep. Louise Slaughter, D-Fairport.

DORMAN@DemocratandChronicle.com