Thread: Immigrant protests hit New York City

http://edition.cnn.com/2006/US/04/01/im ... allies.ap/

Immigrant protests hit New York
Saturday, April 1, 2006 Posted: 1902 GMT (0302 HKT)


Thousands of immigrant protesters
march across the Brooklyn Bridge
in New York City on Saturday.


Demonstrators wave flags and signs,
as they protest against possible
immigration reform.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Thousands of immigrants formed a line stretching more than a mile long Saturday as they marched across the Brooklyn Bridge, waving flags from more than a dozen countries as they demonstrated against possible immigration reform in Congress.

The marchers, most of them hailing from Latin American countries, gathered in downtown Brooklyn on a warm spring day for the walk across the East River.

The march ended outside the federal office building in lower Manhattan.

"We came to say that we're here," said George Criollo, who arrived in New York a decade ago from Cuenca, Ecuador. "We have to speak, legal or illegal. We have to speak about this issue."

Criollo, who said his family was in the United States illegally, feared that legislation could lead to his deportation or jailing.

In the House, legislation already has passed that would set penalties for anyone who knowingly assists or encourages illegal immigrants to remain in the country.

The marchers were accompanied by brass bands, ceremonial drums and tooting horns. "If you hurt immigrants you are hurting America," read a sign held by one marcher.

Another marcher, who spoke no English, carried a sign reading, "I cleaned up ground zero."

Wonder where they found the American flag?

The marchers, most of them hailing from Latin American countries

You don't say

Another marcher, who spoke no English, carried a sign reading, "I cleaned up ground zero."

He admits to being here almost 5 years and still speaks no English. He's probably signing up for classes tomorrow-NOT!

"We came to say that we're here," said George Criollo, who arrived in New York a decade ago from Cuenca, Ecuador. "We have to speak, legal or illegal. We have to speak about this issue."

Criollo, who said his family was in the United States illegally, feared that legislation could lead to his deportation or jailing.

Hope you left them your address George. Sooner or later ICE could get around to you.

"If you hurt immigrants you are hurting America,"

How do they figure deporting illegals HURTS America?