Thousands Rally in US Capital, Demanding Immigration Reform

21 March 2010

Thousands of immigrant rights advocates pack the National Mall during an immigration reform rally in Washington, DC, 21 March 2010

Thousands of supporters of immigration reform rallied in the nation's capital on Sunday, voicing their frustration with the government's pace of handling the complex issue. The gathering was both a serious and lively gathering that brought together politicians, labor representatives and religious leaders to try to push the issue back on to the table.

Many participants at the rally waved American flags and held signs that were written in both Spanish and English.

Some had stark messages such as "Reform Immigration Before Others Die." Others carried signs that read: "Change Takes Courage."

On a massive stage and in crowds, participants of the "March for America" urged U.S. President Barack Obama to follow through on his promise to overhaul the immigration system.

Leyda Lopez came to Sunday's rally with her mother who entered the country illegally from Equador nearly two decades ago. Leyda says she is concerned about the state of the immigration reform debate.

"It's a lost, because like the president is saying he is going to do something and he never do it, we are waiting for that," she said. "And we want justice."

Leyda's mother, Mely, says that because of her status, she has been unable to return to Equador to see the rest of her family for 18 years.