It’s estimated that hundreds marched in Denver today to support immigrant rights-that is, some kind of policy for those who are already living an working in the United States and a stop to federal raids that tear families apart.
But while it’s clear what those who are taking it to the streets want, lawmakers in Washington D.C. don’t seem to be making much progress on the issue.From the Rocky Mountain News:
The event is a response to a White House immigration reform proposal in March, said Chung-Wha Hong, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition.
That plan would grant illegal immigrants three-year work visas for $3,500 but also require them to return home to apply for U.S. residency and pay a $10,000 fine. It has been roundly criticized by immigrant groups
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After last year’s protests, reform legislation stalled in Congress and bipartisan proposals for illegal immigrants to gain citizenship have gotten more conservative.
Organizers said Tuesday’s turnout will be lower because stepped-up raids in recent months have left many immigrants afraid to speak out in public – a major change over rallies in 2006 when some illegal immigrants wore T-shirts saying “I’m illegal. So what?”
Even a recent poll shows that there is support for programs that would allow immigrants to stay in the United States.
Seventy-eight percent of respondents said persons in the country illegally should be given an opportunity to become U.S. citizens.
Former Denver Mayor Federico Pe