Disappointment with proposed anti-immigrant legislation in the General Assembly inspired more than 70 people to protest Saturday in Monroe Park. Speeches were followed by a march to Capitol Square, where protesters rallied for about an hour.
The protest, organized by Mexicanos Sin Fronteras (Mexicans Without Borders), brought together immigrant families, students, workers and supporters united by the idea of equality and justice for all humans regardless of their origin.
“We are not criminals,” said Ricardo Juarez, a member of Mexicanos Sin Fronteras in his opening speech. “We are saying here that before we are immigrants, we are humans.”
Juarez announced a hunger strike that members of the immigrant-rights group had started Friday. The strike is part of a chain of events the group has called “Immigrant Journey for Justice and Dignity.”
Supporters of the movement included public school teachers, church representatives and immigrants’ co-workers.
Kevin Fisher is a public school teacher who worked and lived in Mexico and Central America for three years. Fisher said foreign workers contribute to and support the country and should not be chased by the government.
“I am proud to call myself friend to the immigrants – documented, undocumented, of all types, here in our commonwealth,” Fisher said.
The main issue Fisher protested was closing the door to higher education for immigrants and their children.
Dave Ransom, outreach chairman for the Culmore United Methodist Church in Falls Church, attended the protest in response to the effect the proposed legislation would have on the church’s charity.
Current immigration proposals in the General Assembly
- A Class 1 misdemeanor would be a charge for any illegal immigrant in Virginia, proposes Delegate David Albo, R-Springfield. The House Committee for Courts of Justice approved the bill with a substitute on Feb. 2.
- State or local funds would not be awarded to religious, charitable, community or educational organizations that aid illegal immigrants. The bill, proposed by Delegate Jackson Miller, R-Manassas, passed the House with a 70-29 vote on Jan. 30 and is currently waiting review in the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services.
- Illegal immigrants would not be eligible for higher education benefits, including in-state tuition, under a proposal that passed the House Feb. 1 by a 74-23 vote. The bill, sponsored by Delegate John Reid, R-Richmond, incorporates three similar proposals and currently is in the Senate Committee on Education and Health.
“We give out food. We don’t ask people if they are legal or illegal in the country,” Ransom said. “Some of the legislation would make us felons if we give to undocumented, hungry people.”
Ransom said other churches support the same cause but didn’t have time to prepare and send representatives.
Alexander Claros Alvarado, 17, moved to Virginia from Mexico a year ago. He lives with his father and one of his brothers and attends public school. Alvarado, who like many at the rally spoke limited English, said he liked Virginia and wanted to be able to stay.
Others came to the rally just to support the immigrants’ efforts. Laura Larco is a teacher for Arlington Public Schools. Larco, originally from Peru, has been in the states for more than 20 years. She said the way immigrants are treated is horrible and unfair.
“No human being should go through (the fear of deportation),” Larco said. “Families are being split. Children who are going to school are being pulled from schools and deported.”
Deportation was a major issue protesters discussed. Pushing a stroller, Gabriela Gomes came out with her husband and three children to fight against legislation proposing deportation.
“We are not criminals. We came here to work,” said Gomes, who has lived in the states for 15 years. “We are not taking anything from anyone. What we have, we deserved, because we worked for it.”
Mexicanos Sin Fronteras member and organizer of the event, Teresita Jacinto, said she was happy with the turnout of the rally.
“I think that the turnout is directly a result of the fear that there is in the community,” Jacinto said. “I do not think that we are not supported . There are some that are here, but there are many that were fearful.”