Tens of thousands call for “immigration with dignity”

About 30,000 immigrants and their supporters marched from the Cathedral of St. Paul to the State Capitol Sunday calling for “immigration with dignity.” Many held signs opposing H.R. 4437, the U.S. House bill passed last December that would criminalize 12 million illegal immigrants and build a 700-mile fence along the U.S. Mexican border (currently, illegal residency is a civil violation).
Also common in the crowd were American and Mexican flags and slogans such as “I’m a worker, not a criminal” or “I’m a parent.” The march was preceded by musical performances, Aztec dancers, and remarks by Archbishop Harry Flynn. On the steps of the Capitol, speakers spoke about their personal struggles to immigrate to the United States. Sunday’s march was only one of numerous rallies taking place in cities across the country this week.