Thousands of activists rallied on Wednesday in a coordinated series of nation protests, in hopes of pressing the U.S. Congress to approve certain measures that will enable those currently deemed as 'illegal,' a path toward citizenship, ABC reported.
Organizers told the press that demonstrations took place in at least 18 states, and in Washinton D.C.
"We won't win immigration just coming to Washington. We need to walk the streets all over the country, " said Ben Monterroso, who is the national director of civic participation of the Service Employees International Union, representing nurses and lower-wage employees.
Protests from Atlanta to San Francisco mostly dealt with the need for comprehensive changes to immigration policies and an emphasis on the end to deportation. A gathering in San Diego was being billed as marking "Undocumented Coming Out Day."
By the end of this week, senators are expected to compromise on a sweeping immigration bill, which is bound to be controversial, allowing tens of thousands of foreign workers into the country and grant them eventual citizenship.
There remains groups that are opposed to illegal immigration. They argue that extending legal rights to immigrants living illegally in the U.S. will create more financial problems in an already paltry economy.
"There ought to be a rally for the 20 million Americans who can't find a full-time job," said Roy Beck, president of NumbersUSA, a group that advocates reductions in immigrations levels.
Those seeking immigration reform have already claimed certain victories nationwide, including a successful lobbying effort against a plan in North Carolina to provide driver's licenses to immigrants with the words: "NO LAWFUL STATUS," ABC reported.
The immigrant activism movement gained national attention in 2007 when President George W. Bush and a bipartisan group of lawmakers unsuccessfully tried comprehensive immigration overhaul. The movement gained new supporters in 2010, when Congress debated but did not pass the DREAM Act - legislation that would have granted legal status to young immigrants living illegally in the country.
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