FYI-there is an online poll at the website asking what should be done about illegal immigration.
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister...le_1674639.php

Immigration rallies to mark May 1
A coalition of local immigrant rights groups will rally for a plan to legalize undocumented immigrants. Border control activists are calling for a counter-protest.
By AMY TAXIN

The Orange County Register
SANTA ANA – Immigrant rights groups will march through Santa Ana Tuesday to urge Congress to legalize millions of undocumented immigrants in a follow-up to last year's multitudinous marches.

The groups, which have formed a coalition called the Orange County Alliance for Immigrant Rights, expect this year's march to be smaller – between 2,000 and 3,000 people – due to changes in the political climate since the Democratic Party won Congress in November.

While groups last year rallied against stiff penalties for illegal immigration, they are now urging Congress to legalize undocumented immigrants and stop workplace raids.

"We are challenging the Democratic Party, who now runs the House, to do something for the immigrant community," said Maria Rosa Ibarra, national secretary of Hermandad Mexicana Latinoamericana's board.

The march is one of a number of events planned for Tuesday across the country. Lawmakers have been meeting with White House officials in recent weeks to try to reach a compromise on a bill and could debate immigration at the end of May.

About 15,000 people marched last year on May 1 in Santa Ana.

Unlike last year's boycott, immigrant rights groups will march Tuesday afternoon to avoid clashing with work and school. Participants are being asked to not bring flags after the use of Mexican flags at similar protests last year stoked a backlash.

Santa Ana police expects streets will remain open to traffic because demonstrators plan to march on the sidewalks.

Angered by last year's television images of student demonstrators carrying Mexican flags, Mission Viejo-resident Sandra Sweet held a rally to show her patriotism and opposition to illegal immigration. She plans to do the same Tuesday morning and expects 50 to 75 people to attend.

"I don't think it is as strong this year as it was last year. But in any event, we're out there to show our support for American businesses and our displeasure with people coming here and demanding rights when they cross our border illegally," she said.


Contact the writer: 714-704-3777 or ataxin@ocregister.com