Mely says that while the push for immigration reform is difficult, it should not be impossible. She says that those who are here illegally want to be legalized.

Yulmi Rock, a middle-aged worker who came to the rally with other members of his family says many who have come to the United States are professionals who just want to work for this country and make a contribution.

Yulmi says many work 15-16 hours a day, holding two jobs and are underpaid because they are undocumented. He says frequently they are taken advantage of and exploited and that is not just.

Immigration reform failed in Congress in 2006 and 2007 and President Obama promised to make the issue a top priority during his first year in office.

However, since stepping into office last January, Mr. Obama's agenda has been overwhelmed by the issue of health care reform, the economy and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The president addressed participants at the rally in a video message, pledging to work together with Congress this year and fix what he called the United States "broken immigration system."

Mr. Obama said that some of problems with the system include families being torn apart, employers gaming the system and the struggles police officers face trying to keep communities safe.

Just last week, Mr. Obama praised the bi-partisan efforts of two Senators who put forward an outlined framework for immigration reform legislation.