Protesters rally on the National Mall in Washington, DC demanding immigration reform.

The National Mall hosted tens of thousands of protestors determined to push a major overhaul of the immigration system to the top of the nation’s political agenda. On Sunday March 21 protestors rallied to challenge President Barack Obama and Congress to fix laws that separate families and hurt the country’s economic and social stability.

As a candidate in 2008, Obama spoke eloquently about the promise of making immigration reform a priority in his first year of government. This would help the more than 11 million illegal immigrants realize their dream of having the rights of work, study and life that American citizens have.

Protestors gathered for many reasons, including to remind Obama that he received the votes of more than 67% of the over 2 million Latinos that voted in 2008. He couldn’t have carried the election in states like Nevada, Colorado and Florida without the Latino surge.

There are around 4 million American citizens who are the children of undocumented parents. In many cases they have had to deal with the destruction of their homes and the separation of their families because of raids and deportations. Under Obama the number of deportations has increased13% from the time of George W. Bush.

The Latino population remained silent for this entire year, waiting to see if this so wished for reform would become a reality. However, not getting any response the discontent increased and the demands exploded.

Tens of thousands of people from all around the United States representing different countries of the world took place in the march. Hispanic groups and organizations from New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts among others arrived at the National Mall wearing white and carrying different forms of protests in their hands.  The crowd stretched nearly five blocks on the mall.

Bolivian, Colombian, Peruvian and Salvadorian flags among others were being held with pride along with the American flag. There was an incredible diversity of cultures and emotions that united their voices to say “Si se puede” meaning “Yes we can”.

Although the event had a festive feel to it with balloons, drummers, musicians and teenagers dancing, many participants came bottled up with frustration and sorrow. One group carried white crosses etched with names of border crossers who died in the Arizona desert. Entire families held hands and prayed for the cause, while crowds chanted in Spanish, “Obama, listen, remember your promise!”

By: Grecia Balboa

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