Immigration Reform 2013: Calls for Marches in 60 US Cities for 'National Day of Dignity and Respect' in October

With the ever more worrying scenario of a possible military intervention by the U.S. in Syria, which could delay the approval of an integral immigration reform bill that protects and avoids the deportation of 11 million immigrants, the leaders of illegal resident organizations have called to take to the streets on October 5 and 8 in over 60 cities.

Pressuring the House of Representatives to approve an immigration reform bill this year is the main objective of these organizations. A new delay until 2015 or even 2017 has been rumored following the debate on Syria, reported Vanguardia.

"October 5 is the start of concerted action in the country to keep alive the hope of an immigration reform. We will not accept that Congress doesn't approve the immigration reform," Illinois Democrat Luis Gutiérrez said on September 5. 

The day of protests programmed for October 5 has been named "National Day of Dignity and Respect" and will be attended by members of religious, labor groups and organizations in favor of civil rights.

Gutiérrez, who is a member of the "Gang of Seven," helped redact an immigration plan that could possibly be delivered on September. The democrat's plan includes an initiative that advocates for a path to legalization for undocumented immigrants who plea guilty of violating residency laws in the United States.

This initiative would give undocumented immigrants parole status for five years. After this time is over, they can apply for legal residency, which could be granted in a period of five years. Once they receive their green card, the must wait another five years to apply for American citizenship, reported Univisión.

The organizers of the October 5 marches affirmed that they will focus on 60 cities around the country and that they expect the attendance of hundreds of thousands of Latino immigrants.

"We don't want any more delays. This why we're going out, mobilizing. We will demand that our rights as residents be acknowledged, we will demand the end of deportations and a stop to militarization with Mexico," Eliseo Medina, leader of the Services Employees International Union, told Vanguardia.