As undocumented immigrants advocates on Capitol Hill try to find common ground within the debate over immigration reform, supporters of undocumented immigrants have continued to stage marches and rallies in order to demonstrate their solidarity. Hundreds of protestors have gathered outside correction centers and city hall offices all across the United States, while Democrat leaders have urged their colleagues to reach an agreement about what needs to be done with regard to the ineffective current immigration laws.
On May 5th Central Nebraska Peace Workers members gathered at the Hall County Department of Corrections in order to protest against an ordinance that was passed recently in Fremont in Nebraska. The legislation requires that all potential renters swear to be legal US citizens. The protest was scheduled to take place at the same time as a local Cinco de Mayo event, which celebrates Mexican pride and heritage.
Advocacy groups such as the LA Federation of Labor, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles and the May Day Queer Contingent also got together for a march on May 5th. The march went through Chinatown toward the detention center in Downtown LA. Over 2,000 people raised posters, flags and picket signs saying ‘Keep Families Together’ to increase awareness of the undocumented immigrants who have been unfairly imprisoned.
Even as public frustration continues to grow over the inability of politicians to act on the issue, House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi has challenged the Republican party to show the kind of bravery displayed by the Mexican soldiers and support immigration reform.