"Thousands rally against new Ga. immigration law"


The Associated Press
World News 1:26 p.m. Saturday, July 2, 2011

By ERRIN HAINES


ATLANTA — Thousands rallied at the Georgia Capitol to protest the state's new immigration law, which they say creates an unwelcome environment for people of color and those in search of a better life.




Thousands of people march through downtown Atlanta in protest against Georgia's strict new immigration law on Saturday, July 2, 2011 in Atlanta. On Monday, a Federal judge temporarily blocked parts of the law. One provision that was blocked authorizes police to check the immigration status of suspects without proper identification. It also authorizes them to detain illegal immigrants. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)


see link for photo's

Tomas Martinez shouts slogans while leading thousands of people in a march through downtown Atlanta in protest against Georgia's strict new immigration law on Saturday, July 2, 2011 in Atlanta. On Monday, a Federal judge temporarily blocked parts of the law. One provision that was blocked authorizes police to check the immigration status of suspects without proper identification. It also authorizes them to detain illegal immigrants. (AP Photo/Erik S. Lesser)

Men, women and children converged on downtown Atlanta for Saturday's march and rally, cheering speakers while shading themselves with umbrellas and posters.

Capitol police and organizers estimated that between 8,000 and 14,000 protesters gathered. They filled the blocks around the Capitol, holding signs decrying House Bill 87 and reading "Immigration Reform Now!"

Saturday's rally follows a "day without immigrants," when some parts of the law took effect. It was organized by the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights. The organization asked businesses to close and community members not to work or shop to protest the law.

http://www.ajc.com/news/nation-world/th ... 96279.html