Thread: CA-Protesters press Obama on immigration [UPDATED]

Protesters press Obama on immigration [UPDATED]

10:53 AM | March 19, 2009

As ticket-holders waited patiently in line to gain entry to the gymnasium at Miguel Contreras Learning Center near downtown L.A. this morning, two groups protested for legalization of undocumented immigrants.

Kevin Prada, 12, attended a protest by the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles and spoke about his life since his father was deported in 2007.

"I am an American citizen, but right now I don't feel like one. I feel like I am an alien from a different world," he said.

Prada's father immigrated from Peru in the 1990s and was denied political asylum. Prada read from a letter he wrote to Obama.

"Please, I write to you, wishing for what you have promised, change," he said.

Vicky Marquez said she has not seen her children, who live in El Salvador, in 13 years.

"I haven't hugged them, I haven't kissed them, it's not right," said Marquez, a member of the Service Employees International Union. "I'm here to tell the president not to forget about us. We're anxiously waiting for immigration reform."

Two groups chanted at two street corners, playing mariachi music and waving signs that read, "Obama, count on us," and "Legalizacion! Ahora!" Nearby residents watched the commotion from their fire escapes, and rush-hour commuters honked in support.

Updated, 11:07 a.m.: A third protest group -- African Americans holding signs that read "Reparations now" and "Black people need to work, too" -- has claimed a street corner near Miguel Contreras Learning Center.

Vendors are selling T-shirts and buttons, and one enterprising young woman is advertising "Presidential concessions" -- water for $1 a bottle.

-- Seema Mehta

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2 ... sit-1.html

Oh lord- what kind of horrible mother abandons her children like that? Is that who we want to be a citizen of this country?

Why don't these people say what they mean? They do not want 'immigration reform' they want amnesty!

Originally Posted by scottiemum

Why don't these people say what they mean? They do not want 'immigration reform' they want amnesty!

Not even amnesty. They want the legal right to have American jobs, American benefits, without cost to them. They want MORE than Americans are entitled to.

BTW, don't those signs in Spanish really tug at your heartstrings?

Vicky Marquez said she has not seen her children, who live in El Salvador, in 13 years.

"I haven't hugged them, I haven't kissed them, it's not right," said Marquez, a member of the Service Employees International Union. "I'm here to tell the president not to forget about us. We're anxiously waiting for immigration reform."

Sounds like this is an illegal invader and also a member of SEIU! They are not even afraid to admit they are illegal and part of this union!!!

So why does not this woman go and see her kids? Wonder why? I guess this is EXACTLY why E-Verify was stripped from the Stimulus package so illegals whom belong to unions will be able to cash in our tax dollars!

How many damn illegals are in these unions?

Please, I write to you, wishing for what you have promised, change," he said

So is this what all of them are thinking when Obama made the speeches and asked for "change" in this country? They all feel it is directed at them and for them? wow! just amazing and selfish!

Vicky Marquez said she has not seen her children, who live in El Salvador, in 13 years.

"I haven't hugged them, I haven't kissed them, it's not right," said Marquez, a member of the Service Employees International Union. "I'm here to tell the president not to forget about us. We're anxiously waiting for immigration reform."

Vicky, dear, stop blaming America for your bad judgement. If you are an illegal alien, go home. If you married one, go with him.

I am sick and tired of these people breaking our laws, and then whining that WE are the cause of the separation of their families. They take no responsibility for their own actions, instead they expect us to change our laws to suit them. This entire situation is just begging for one big, giant march on Washington.