Immigration rally draws estimated crowd of 1,000

Associated Press - June 19, 2007 6:14 AM ET

DORAVILLE, Ga. (AP) - A rally to support passage of immigration reform in Congress drew an estimated 1,000 illegal immigrants to the Plaza Fiesta in Doraville.

Organizers had hoped up to 10,000 people would attend the rally last night. They say rumors that immigration officials were in the area kept the crowd smaller.

Former Mexican Consul General Teodoro Maus led the candlelight vigil and petition drive. He says lawmakers in Washington, DC, need to be enlightened on how vital it is to approve a reform package that will take into account people and NOT numbers. Maus says amnesty is morally right because illegal immigrants have earned through hard work, honesty and commitment to the United States.

The reform bill, which has the backing of President Bush, would tighten border security, create a temporary guest worker program and initiate a process for millions of undocumented workers already in the US to become legal residents.

The US Senate could resume debate on the legislation later this week. A final vote is expected by July Fourth. (WSB Radio)

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