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100,000 people rally over controversial immigration bill
Protest blocks streets in Loop
By Evelyn Holmes
March 10, 2006 - Chicago police say as many as 100,000 protestors are gathering outside the Chicago Federal Center to voice their concerns about a house bill that would tighten immigration laws. The massive demonstration has blocked many streets in the Loop.

The border security bill would make it illegal to assist any undocumented immigrant. That measure is drawing the attention of numerous groups and lawmakers on both sides of the issue.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered at the Chicago Federal Center to protest the house bill 4437. They believe the bill discriminates against undocumented residents and those who try to help them and it robs them of a chance at the American dream.


"I guess we're only here for cheap labor. It is not right. We are only here for more military. We can do everything but be citizens and have civil rights," said Juan Zavate.

Citizens, undocumented and documented immigrants and their supporters gathered to protest a bill that would criminalize being an undocumented immigrant. Opponents of the bill say it would make providing aid and health care to an illegal a felony.

"We, as doctors, going to be jailed have felonies because we're helping the people? This is what we have committed our lives to  to helping the people. You can't take it away from us, you can't legislate it away from us. We won't stand for it," said Dr. Sean Gavin, Immigration Reform Activist.

Supporters of a tightening of the country's immigration law say they are tired of being accused of discrimination. They believe America's resources are for those who live in the country legally.

"We have always been called racist, but it has nothing to do with racism. This is a national security issue, a public safety issue," said Carmen Mercer, Minuteman Civil Defense Corps.

Many undocumented immigrants say they understand a need for immigration reform and the need for the country to secure its borders. Still there is concern for families already in the country.

"A lot of parents are immigrants and have citizen children and that will cause them to be separated and it is not fair because citizen or not, we have rights. And we want to live the American dream, not just Americans," said Celina Nunez.

Many of those undocumented residents believe that senate bill 1033 gives credit for immigrants who are in the U.S. to pursue the American dream.