Rally Draws Attention To Controversial Immigration Bill

KOTV - 5/5/2007 4:17 PM - Updated 5/5/2007 6:02 PM

Hundreds of Hispanics rally in east Tulsa on Saturday. The American Dream Coalition marched more than a mile in the Cinco De Mayo rally, trying to draw attention to the issue of immigration. Cinco de Mayo is a day set aside by the Mexican community to celebrate their heritage, but The News On 6’s Joshua Brakhage reports the rally wasn't just about pride, it was also about politics.

Dressed in white t-shirts and carrying American flags the American Dream Coalition flooded the streets in east Tulsa, marching from 21st and Garnett to East Central High School; their message, pass fair immigration reform.

The Oklahoma state House and Senate have passed a bill considered one of the most strict immigration reform measures in the country. House Bill 1804 has gained support on both sides of the isle, but not from the Hispanic community. The bill is now in the hands of Governor Brad Henry. People at Saturday’s rally are urging him to veto the measure, in hopes of it not becoming Oklahoma law. A law they say would tear families apart.

“Most of the children are born here, and the parents are illegal, and if they send them back what happens to the children? The children are left behind,” said one demonstrator.

The demonstrators say they're confident that Governor Henry has their best interest at heart, and that he'll veto the bill.

http://kotv.com/news/local/story/?id=126721