Aug 25, 2007 4:03 pm US/Central

Immigration Activist Supporters Launch Plan

(AP) CHICAGO Supporters of immigration activist Elvira Arellano are laying out their plan of action for the next month. They are planning events in Chicago, in Congress and across the border.

The 32-year-old illegal immigrant took sanctuary in Chicago's West side Adalberto United Methodist Church for a year. She was arrested earlier this month in Los Angeles and deported to Tijuana, Mexico shortly last weekend.

But activists where she took refuge say the battle is just beginning. Arellano is calling for a national day of prayer on September 12 -- a few days after Congress reopens hearings on immigration reform.

She'll participate in a march in Mexico, while activists hold similar rallies in Washington, D.C. and outside immigration offices in other cities. Activists insist it's what the American people want.

"Seventy-five percent of this country is opposed to the separation of families and a small minority of hate has forced us to step away from this issue," said Rev. Walter Coleman of Adelberto United Methodist Church.

Arellano plans to live in Mexico and continue fighting for the rights of illegal immigrants with U.S. citizen children.

Arellano's eight-year-old son Saul is an American citizen and will stay in Chicago with Rev. Coleman. The church's Reverend Walter Coleman says Saul will take frequent trips back and forth to Mexico. Saul was able to go to Tijuana recently to visit his mother.

Coleman says Arellano's decision to leave the church "woke up the nation."

He says supporters are working with government officials on private bills to allow Arellano to stay in the U.S.

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/local_story_237170645.html