The Arizona law, which was signed into law last Friday, requires police to ask for identification from anyone they suspect of being an illegal immigrant. Latinos in particular fear that they will be racially targeted by police on the basis of their appearance, and said it will make undocumented immigrants reluctant to report crimes or cooperate in police investigations.

The New York demonstrators, who included activists from Latino, Caribbean, and Asian communities in New York as well as local clergy members, called on President Obama to act immediately to stop Arizona's law from being implemented. They also demanded the President issue a moratorium on deportation and detention of suspected illegal aliens until federal immigration reform is passed.

Similar rallies were also held in Arizona, Illinois and California.

In Washington, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano noted that the law doesn't take effect for 90 days. She told Congress that that would allow time for the Justice Department to, quote, look at whether the law meets constitutional safeguards or not.

Supporters of the law in Arizona say it will help cut down on crime by illegal immigrants from Mexico.