A local coalition kicked off the Reform Immigration For America Campaign with an afternoon rally Thursday in Sonoma Plaza.
The national effort calls for comprehensive reform that it says will protect workers and help with economic recovery, create millions of new taxpayers, keep families together, and protect the due process rights of all.
The rally drew about 100 people, predominately young Latinos. “These are the people who are most affected,” said Mario Castillo, pictured. “They can’t get in to school, they can’t realize their dreams. Where does that put us?”
Immigration reform would have a huge economic impact, said Sandy Torres, by creating millions of new taxpayers. It would keep families together, and fulfill the American promise of due process.
Deacon Fernandez spoke in Spanish of the importance of keeping families together, and urged tolerance and respect. “Jesus was an immigrant,” he said.
The gathering, which included several public speakers and a vote-registration drive, was one of 100 grass-roots events held around the country over the last week.
“We need to send a message to Congress,” said Omar Gallardo. “The system is broken They know it, and we know it.”
