Hundreds of people in support of pro-immigrant laws in the U.S. gathered in New York City as part of the May 1st coalition demonstration.
"We are demanding an immigration reform that is pro-worker and ends deportation. The people of this city need jobs not billions spent in deporting workers," Teresa Gutierres told Latinos Post today in support of the May 1st demonstration.
The activists at the rally called the current draft bill "unjust" since it would leave out too many immigrants in its legalization scheme. Participants said they object to the way the immigration bill would shift the legal immigration system to prioritize skill and employment-based visas.
"The new regulation should help everybody! We all have the right to live with no fear of deportation," Enrique Moncado, an undocumented worker from Brooklyn, shared with Latinos Post in a short interview.
Attending the rally were also a numerous group of students called the "Dreamers" who support the Dream-Act and marched asking for a fair immigration reform. "My parents were the first Dreamers, they gave up their education in Ecuador so we would have a better life, I need to be here and rally for them," Daniela Hernandez told the Latinos Post. Hernandez is a student from New Jersey who attended the rally.
The May 1st Coalition for Workers and Immigrant Rights, one of the main organizers of the May Day rally, held a previous reunion in front of Senator Chuck Schumer expressing concern with the S.744 - the 'Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act" - put forth by a bipartisan group in Congress.
The New York rally was part of the May Day demonstrations taking place in Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago and other cities around the country. The Senate Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the bill on May 9.