Thread: Two Immigration Marches Planned For Valley

Two Immigration Marches Planned For Valley
By Maureen Naylor
04/24/2007 - A year after one of the biggest immigration marches in history, organizers are planning two new marches for immigrant rights.

Like last year, it will be a march in hopes of changing immigration laws. But this year, organizers say they will be marching here, also taking a stand against what they call inhumane immigration sweeps.
Last May 1st, more than 15,000 people rallied in front of Fresno's City Hall To show the role Mexican immigrants play in the workforce, and to change legislation. But a year later activists say nothing has changed.

John Crockford, Coalition for Immigrant Rights, says "it probably is more serious now because legislation that we have asked for has not come through."

Now two new immigration marches are planned this week in hopes of changing immigration policies, and to criticize recent immigration sweeps like one in February in Mendota, and one earlier this month in Madera.

"Operation Return to Sender" nationwide is going after 600-thousand illegal immigrants who have ignored deportation orders.

Activist groups claim many working immigrants not targeted by this operation are also being deported unfairly, tearing families apart. But Immigration officials say they are enforcing the law, and that according to the law, any illegal immigrant can be deported.

Marchers plan to walk past the Mexican Consulate, saying Mexico has to be involved in the change.

Myrna Martinez, Immigrant Rights Activist, says "the people who leave their community and country because there is no job, there is no economic stability. It is poverty so Mexico has to take responsibility for this, make sure immigration is an option, not a need."

The first march is planned for this Sunday morning in Mendota's Rojas Park. Then a second march and rally will be held next Tuesday afternoon from four to eight at the Fulton Mall.

Organizers don't expect as large of a turn out as last year, saying many people are fearful they will be a target of an immigration raid.

http://abclocal.go.com/kfsn/story?secti ... id=5241904

Myrna Martinez, Immigrant Rights Activist, says "the people who leave their community and country because there is no job, there is no economic stability. It is poverty so Mexico has to take responsibility for this, make sure immigration is an option, not a need."

Well will wonders never cease, they are finally calling for Mexico to take some responsiblity for this!
May be it won't be long and they will be in Mexico protesting thieir own government.

Organizers don't expect as large of a turn out as last year, saying many people are fearful they will be a target of an immigration raid.

You betcha!! Now that would be a protest I would want front row seats for!

I've noticed that when immigration marches are announced that the dates aren't published anymore.

Guess they can't stand being exposed to the light of day and only want their propaganda to be posted on you tube.