Thousands protest Georgia immigration bills

By KATE BRUMBACK — Associated Press

Posted: 5:49pm on Mar 24, 2011; Modified: 5:55pm on Mar 24, 2011

Georgia Immgration Rally

Protesters rally at the capitol to denounce support for state bills yet to pass legislation which aim to crack down on illegal immigration, Thursday, March 24, 2011, in Atlanta. JOHN AMIS

ATLANTA — Thousands have gathered at the Georgia Capitol to protest legislation that targets illegal immigrants in the state.

Folk rock duo the Indigo Girls on Thursday performed their song "Shame on You" with lyrics adapted for the rally.

U.S. Rep. John Lewis of Georgia, a leader in the civil rights movement of the 1960s, urged the crowd to fight. He said "I was beaten, left bloody, but I didn't give up and you must not give up."

Georgia Republicans are pushing ahead with immigration bills even as lawmakers in Arizona, which passed a tough law last year, take a timeout amid business community concerns about the issue's economic impact.

Sponsors of the Georgia legislation say the bills are necessary to fight illegal immigration since the federal government hasn't solved the problem.

Read more: http://www.kentucky.com/2011/03/24/1683 ... z1HYatAJgg