Immigrants call for reform of US system
March 23, 2010, Tuesday
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FRUSTRATED with the lack of action to overhaul the United States' immigration system, tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied on the National Mall and marched through the streets of Washington on Sunday, waving American flags and holding homemade signs in English and Spanish.
Supporters traveled from around the country in hopes the rally would re-energize Congress to take up the volatile issue. Some lawmakers oppose any attempt to help an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants become US citizens while others insist on stronger border controls first.
President Barack Obama, who promised to make overhauling the immigration system a top priority in his first year, sought to reassure those at the rally with a video message presented on giant screens at the National Mall. The president said he was committed to working with Congress this year on a comprehensive bill to fix a "broken immigration system."
Obama said he would do everything in his power to forge a bipartisan consensus on immigration reform. Some demonstrators were disappointed there hasn't been more action a year into Obama's term.
"I understand it may not all be his fault," said Manuel Bettran, a 21-year-old college student from Chicago. "I am frustrated. I really wish not just him, but everybody, would take it more seriously."
Bettran arrived in Washington after a 13-hour bus ride. His parents were once illegal immigrants but able to take advantage of an amnesty in the 1980s.
"Fortunately, they were able to become citizens during the last amnesty, but I know many people that weren't that lucky," said American-born Bettran. His brother was never able to gain legal status and had to leave the US.
Lawmakers failed to agree in 2006 and 2007 when they last tried to overhaul the immigration system, and the political climate is tougher now.
Two senators released an outline of a bill last week calling for illegal immigrants to admit they broke the law by entering the US, pay fines and back taxes, and perform community service.
Supporters traveled from around the country in hopes the rally would re-energize Congress to take up the volatile issue. Some lawmakers oppose any attempt to help an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants become US citizens while others insist on stronger border controls first.
President Barack Obama, who promised to make overhauling the immigration system a top priority in his first year, sought to reassure those at the rally with a video message presented on giant screens at the National Mall. The president said he was committed to working with Congress this year on a comprehensive bill to fix a "broken immigration system."
Obama said he would do everything in his power to forge a bipartisan consensus on immigration reform. Some demonstrators were disappointed there hasn't been more action a year into Obama's term.
"I understand it may not all be his fault," said Manuel Bettran, a 21-year-old college student from Chicago. "I am frustrated. I really wish not just him, but everybody, would take it more seriously."
Bettran arrived in Washington after a 13-hour bus ride. His parents were once illegal immigrants but able to take advantage of an amnesty in the 1980s.
"Fortunately, they were able to become citizens during the last amnesty, but I know many people that weren't that lucky," said American-born Bettran. His brother was never able to gain legal status and had to leave the US.
Lawmakers failed to agree in 2006 and 2007 when they last tried to overhaul the immigration system, and the political climate is tougher now.
Two senators released an outline of a bill last week calling for illegal immigrants to admit they broke the law by entering the US, pay fines and back taxes, and perform community service.
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