Willow Glen Resident
News
Photograph by Vicki Thompson
Walk a Mile: An estimated 25,000 people walked more than 3 miles to city hall on April 10 to protest proposed immigration legislation. The crowd started at King and Story roads on the east side of San Jose.
Immigrant rights march in San Jose draws 25,000 flag-waving protesters
By Monica Heger
Reminiscent of a Fourth of July celebration, the rally and march on April 10 in support of immigrant rights, with a plethora of American flags and American flag headbands, was, in its own way, a celebration of this country.
Thousands of immigrants showed up to demonstrate their love of the country, while simultaneously protesting the proposed legislation that would make an estimated 12 million illegal immigrants felons.
The rally began in Mi Pueblo Plaza at the corner of King and Story roads, where supporters gathered, and then proceeded down Santa Clara Street to city hall. Along the way, an estimated 25,000 people joined the ranks, many in white T-shirts, waving flags, playing music and chanting "si se puede," or "yes we can."
Business owners and residents lined the sidewalks flashing peace signs and cheering, while passing drivers honked in support or waved out of open windows.
John Cervantes said he's never seen so many people turn out for an event in the 15 years he's been living in San Jose.
"I am very proud," he said. "The immigration laws will affect everybody."
Cervantes said he came to the march to show support and to demonstrate to the government how many people do not support the proposed laws.
"I think it's going to work," he added.
The rally and march marked the second major demonstration in San Jose to protest the proposed immigration legislation. The first one, on March 27, found many students walking out of their classrooms. This one began at 3 p.m. so students would not have to miss class. Another demonstration is planned for May 1.
While the April 10 crowd was mostly Latino, many clergy members were present. The proposed legislation would make it a felony to assist or aid an illegal immigrant, affecting aid from faith-based organizations.
The Interfaith Council on Religion, Race and Social and Economic Justice was well represented. Roger Jones, a minister with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Sunnyvale, said immigration reform was an important issue for the faith community.
"It has to do with how you treat people who are vulnerable," he said. "We're taking a stand against demonizing people."
The Rev. Steve Pinkston, who was also from the Interfaith Council, spoke about the broader implications of immigration reform. He said the proposed legislation would affect everybody, and said that aside from Native Americans, everyone is an immigrant.
"It's not a brown cause or a black cause or a yellow cause; it's a human rights cause," Pinkston said. "Like Martin Luther King Jr. would say today, 'I support and demand that all immigrants be treated with respect and dignity.' "
Demonstrators Frankie Robles and Elizabeth Limones, both of San Jose, said they came to show support. Limones said she has family members who are not citizens, and Robles said that during the last march, "I was driving by and it gave me the chills. I thought, I want to be a part of that."
Robles hoped the march would have an effect on the whole community. "I think it unifies the community. And it might end some kind of racism or discrimination," he said.
Limones added, "I think it will have an effect on history," she said. "Even the little kids will remember it. I know I'll remember this my whole life."
