Crowds rally for immigration reform

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Story Published: May 1, 2007 at 1:00 PM PDT

Story Updated: May 1, 2007 at 4:47 PM PDT
By Thanh Tan and Associated Press
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SALEM, Ore. - Current and former illegal workers and others calling for immigration reform converged on the steps of the State Capitol building in Salem on Tuesday to ask for major change.

Their biggest goals were asking for passage of a measure that will provide a pathway to citizenship and preserving immigrants' access to a driver's license.

The rally is one of numerous demonstrations nationwide.

Those in attendance said they wanted the government to recognize the role immigrants play in keeping the American economy going.

Organizers drew about 2,000 people for the noon rally. Another demonstration was set for later Tuesday afternoon in downtown Portland.

The street in front of the state Capitol was closed as the crowds started to gather. Many chanted "Si, se puede!, meaning "Yes we can."

Many carried American flags and signs that read, "Real ID No," a reference to the controversy in the Oregon Legislature over trying to bring Oregon into compliance with a new federal law that requires proof of legal residence to get a driver's license.

Some lawmakers say Oregon should stop giving driving privileges to undocumented immigrants when it adopts the new federal requirements, which require proof of citizenship or legal residence to get a driver's license. Oregon is one of nine states that do not require proof of legal residence to obtain driver's licenses.

Immigrants rights advocates and some agriculture industry officials say Oregon's current policy has worked well because it encourages illegal workers who are driving anyway to undergo driver's training and pass a test showing familiarity with driving laws.

One woman demonstrating Tuesday said these workers deserve equal rights.

"They just come here just to support their families," said Rosa Vinegas. "And I think giving them a permit or a work permit would be good. They'd probably just work and then go home. They would want to. Most of them don't really want to be here, but just because of the job opportunities, that's why they're here."

Among those also in the crowd was Patty Cedillo, 34, of Salem, who came to the U.S. from Mexico and hopes to become a citizen. She said she works two jobs - hotel housekeeper and restaurant cook.

She was accompanied by her two young daughters and carried an American flag.

"We teach our kids to love America, and to respect the flag," Cedillo said. "This is home for us. We love this country. It has helped us to make our dreams come true."

A small group of counter-demonstrators also showed up to the noon rally, holding signs that said "Stop Illegals."

At one point, the rally fell silent when a woman began yelling, "Go back home and come back legally!" The woman, who would identify herself only as "M.J.," said she was protesting what she called the immigrant "invasion" of the U.S.

Advocates estimate there are currently 12 million illegal immigrants in the U.S. Many live in secrecy as they work in the fields and in jobs that many Americans refuse to take.

The rally came as Republican lawmakers on Tuesday planned to bring forth several immigration reform bills to the Oregon legislature that are meant to crack down on those who are here illegally and abusing the system.


http://www.katu.com/news/7278021.html