Hundreds of county residents join nationwide demonstration for
immigration reform
Hollister
– Hundreds of people, many waving American flags, marched
through downtown Hollister to the Veterans Memorial Building Monday
evening, taking part in a national movement demanding that millions
of people living in the United States illegally have a chance to
become citizens.
Hollister – Hundreds of people, many waving American flags, marched through downtown Hollister to the Veterans Memorial Building Monday evening, taking part in a national movement demanding that millions of people living in the United States illegally have a chance to become citizens.
The evening march – during which people hoisted signs reading “Justice and dignity for immigrants,” and chanted, “Si, se puede (yes, we can)” – started at Dunne Park. More than 200 people, adults and children, walked up Seventh Street, across San Benito Street and then gathered in front of Veterans Memorial Building where they listened to speakers, sang and held lighted candles.
“This kind of spirit … this kind of energy shows a patriotism and family that this country is all about,” said Phil Esparza, executive director of El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista, while addressing the crowd. Esparza had a message for the young people in the audience, telling them that they are the future and that their parents were brave to attend the demonstration.
In addition to Esparza, several others spoke in Spanish to the marchers, including 91-year-old Ernesto Nava Villa, who is the son of General Francisco Pancho Villa.
Similar demonstrations took place throughout the state and nation Monday. Huge throngs gathered at the Capitol in Sacramento, and in San Francisco, San Jose, Fresno, Oakland and Los Angeles, while small groups turned out in San Diego and in Santa Ana. Large demonstrations were also held across the country.
The protests seek to help an estimated 11 million immigrants who are illegally in the United States by influencing decision-making in Washington, D.C. A bill passed by the House in December would crack down on illegal immigrants and strengthen the U.S. border with Mexico. A broader overhaul of immigration laws that could include amnesty for many illegal immigrants living in the U.S. already stalled in the Senate last week as lawmakers went on a two-week break.
Ruben Abonce, a 13-year-old who attends Marguerite Maze Middle School, said he attended Monday’s demonstration in Hollister because he wants his family from Mexico to be able to work in the U.S. legally.
“I just want my parents and my uncles to know they can get papers to work here and help my family in Mexico,” he said.
Francisco Vasquez, an older man who was at the Hollister rally, said he wants the federal government to come up with immigration reform that works for both the U.S. and immigrant workers. He also said that he was worried about proposed legislation that would make it a felony to be in the U.S. illegally. It is currently a civil violation.
Immigrants and their relatives aren’t the only ones watching the immigration reform debate. California employers – particularly farmers – are eager to see immigration legislation that will allow for some kind of guest worker program that would allow people to come to the U.S. and work legally. The San Benito County Farm Bureau has been advocating for a guest worker program for decades, according to Executive Director Paul Hain.
A proposal made by Senator Dianne Feinstein would allow farm workers already in the country to eventually get a green card, which would allow them and their spouses to work in the U.S. and allow them to keep their families together. The idea will be discussed after the Senate returns from its Easter break.
Monday’s demonstration in Hollister, which was organized by the local chapter of League of United Latin American Citizens, came after weeks of organized protest against immigration reform.
Demonstrators late last month, students from Anzar and San Benito High Schools held separate demonstration. Also, a small group of people protested in downtown Hollister during the last weekend of March.
“We realize, yes, there is a need for some kind of reform. But, my God, when they want to make criminals out of people already here … (immigrants) work here, pay taxes, their children go to school here. They all contribute to America,” LULAC President Mickie Luna said after Monday’s rally.
Luke Roney covers local government and the environment for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at [email protected]
