Thousands attend immigration rally in downtown Dallas
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Looks like the marchers have peetered out. Good.

Dixie
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Thousands attend immigration rally in downtown Dallas

By ANABELLE GARAY Associated Press Writer
© 2007 The Associated Press
April 1, 2007, 4:16PM

DALLAS — Thousands of people wearing white shirts and waving American flags rallied in downtown Dallas on Sunday as part of a continuing push for immigration reform for the millions of illegal immigrants already living in the United States.

Many in the crowed police estimated at more than 5,000 held signs that read "No to 2903," referring to an ordinance in the Dallas suburb of Farmer's Branch that would make it illegal for landlords to rent apartments to illegal immigrants.

Organizers said Sunday's demonstration is the first of many events to be held to continue urging lawmakers to pass a comprehensive immigration plan.

Speakers asked those who were already citizens to vote and asked those already in the country legally to be sure and vote.

"The most powerful strength we have aside from our labor force is our vote," Hector Flores, past national president of the League of Latin American Citizens, told the crowd gathered at City Hall.

A year ago, tens of thousands gathered for a massive march and rally in downtown Dallas that was part of a series of coordinated national protests intended to raise awareness on the issue of immigration reform.

Gesofranes Mendoza was back for Sunday's rally with his family and held a sign that said "Justice For All."

Although lawmakers didn't approve a plan last year to legalize millions of undocumented immigrants, Mendoza hopes this year will be different.

"I think it's improving a little bit, not too much, but we're trying. Someday," he said.

One bill introduced into Congress would give some of the millions of illegal immigrants in the country a chance at becoming citizens. Another proposal from the White House and Republican lawmakers would require immigrants to pay hefty fines for being in the country illegally and force them to leave and obtain legal status before they could return.

"We think the price is too high. But at least it gets the debate going," said Domingo Garcia, a Dallas attorney and activist.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/4679160.html