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On a sunny mild, spring
afternoon after school, I took the 1 downtown to obtain
a certified birth  certificate
at Worth St. I heard about the protest on the news earlier
that morning and quickly went on with my daily routine only
to be reminded later when I arrived. While there,
I thought to myself "I'm getting a copy of my birth
certificate today as a citizen, while some of these protesters
may be illegal immigrants and don't even have the rights
I have." As I walked among the crowd briefly,
intense emotions were felt—the atmosphere fostered
highly contagious, exuberant moods, which spread throughout
the entire nation, in small and large cities alike.
I felt hope and could relate to them, in the sense that
my ancestors fought for human rights during the civil rights
movement and some of my relatives immigrated here to the
United States not too long ago.
Then I thought, knowing how it truly feels to live
in America as an illegal immigrant is foreign to me.
I am only familiar with what it means to be an immigrant.
All of my life, I've been a US citizen. Yet anyone,
whatever their background may be, knows what it is to have
a sense of belonging. I feel compelled to help others
in their quest for justice. Human rights issues affect
everyone world-wide.
That Monday, declared National Day of Action for Immigrant
Justice, forever marked the day in my life I would remember
as the first human rights protest I saw actually happen
right before my eyes. Whether or not these 11 million+
immigrants who fervently push for legalization for themselves
are considered "legal", they are still American,
wholeheartedly living the American dream just as citizens
like me are.
Tens of thousands marched through Downtown Manhattan,
bearing American flags and posters, proudly demanding justice
for millions of illegal immigrants. Diverse throngs
of Chinese, Africans and Latinos, among many others quickly
assembled to peacefully march together in the fight for
justice, some holding "We are American" and "Today
We March, Tomorrow We Vote" banners and chants and
cheers" ¡Sí se puede!" (Yes, we can!)
Vibrant colors of red, white and blue were worn by protesters
showed true patriotism. Chants in Chinese, English,
French and Spanish were heard. Even religious leaders
were present for this special day.
 These
protests quickly created gridlock conditions around City
Hall--police blocked streets, which led to a major traffic
jam all the way to Brooklyn. An estimated 70,000 to 125,000
people attended. Nationally, the rallies were one
of many that opposed a bill that would label illegal immigrants
as felonies. The bill could create a 700-mile fence
along the US-Mexico border. Just last week, The Senate
reached a deadlock on a compromise plan to enable citizenship
for most illegal immigrants. And The House of Representatives
passed an even harsher bill to crack down on illegal immigrants
(US-Mexico border). Dismal critics believe American
government shouldn't tolerate immigrants, especially if
they're illegal. While immigrant advocates are pleased with
results, vexed critics demand quick changes in US law.
Will immigrants be whisked away by harsh immigration
policies? The idea that illegal immigrants have the
possibility of being labeled as felons instills fear in
many. Issues like these hit close to home, especially
when American citizens are informed of how serious these
laws can be if enacted. Immigrants want to live the
American dream without fear of being imprisoned, or even
worse, deported. They want to be acknowledged as citizens,
without being economically exploited.
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