100,000 people rally over controversial immigration bill

March 10, 2006 (WLS) -- They came by the thousands from all over the Midwest, many of them immigrants, all angry about a tough new immigration bill proposed in Congress. Chicago police estimate as many as 100,000 people rallied downtown.

The proposed bill would make undocumented immigrants felons. It would mean criminal charges for anyone who helps them, and it calls for literally building a wall along the US-Mexico border. Those who support the bill say it would save jobs for legal workers and even mean higher wages.

The bill was proposed by James Sensenbrenner, a congressman from Wisconsin. Opposition to the bill has been building around the country for weeks. Those infuriated by it say, instead of recognizing that immigrants helped build the country, it will turn them into criminals.

The excitement spread from Union Park on the West Side as more than 100,000 people marched into downtown Chicago to show support for immigrant rights.

"This law is against residents, against human rights, against everybody in the park," said Robert Herrera, supports immigrant rights.

Those taking part in the march say the bill discriminates against people who want to be productive members of society.

"We work our way up. We want to be here, we love this country, and that's why we came here," said Norma Cornejo.

Protestors were draped in flags of their native countries, as well as the American flag. They were joined by busloads of people from all over the Midwest.

"We're in this country not to destroy it but to make it rich with whatever it is that we can," said Alberto Calvillo, Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The crowd marched into the Loop for a rally at the Dirksen Federal Building, where politicians echoed their disgust with the bill.

"This is a fight that includes every American. Those who are undocumented, we're not gonna make criminals out of them. That is not what America has ever stood for and we will not stand for it," said Mayor Daley.

Before the massive march, another rally by those in support of the anti-immigration bill. They say the legislation is not racist and that it protects the country and its citizens.

"We have an estimated 12 million people illegally in this country breaking our laws, threatening homeland security and taking jobs that Americans once held at livable wages," said Sandra Gunn, Federation for American Immigration Reform.

The march tied up traffic Friday afternoon, making it hard for commuters to get home. Extra police were called in to help and Metra had to put extra trains into use.

"The city did give us advance warning, but no one expected these large crowds, and we were given estimates of 5 to 10,000 people," said Judy Pardonnet, Metra spokesperson.

The bill passed through the House. Now, the Senate will craft its own immigration reform bill. After that, the two chambers will have to agree on one final bill, which will be sent to the president.

Downtown recovers from massive rally

Metra officials were selling tickets at reduced prices Friday afternoon in response to the congestion caused by a rally of marching ethnic groups that was blocking streets downtown.

All Metra tickets sold at the downtown terminals were going for $2 each -- regardless of destination -- to accommodate increased numbers, according to Metra spokeswoman Judy Pardonnet. They would continue to do so at least through tonight's rush hour, Pardonnet said.

The rail system experienced an increase of 5,500 passengers coming into the city throughout the morning hours, according to Pardonnet.

Two additional trains, one on the Milwaukee West line and one on the Union Pacific Northwest line, were added during the 3:00 p.m. hour and more would be added if needed, she said.

Police estimated between 75,000 and 100,000 marchers attended the rally, which headed toward Federal Plaza at 230 S. Dearborn St., according to police News Affairs Officer JoAnn Taylor. No march-related arrests had been reported to News Affairs as of 5:15 p.m., Officer Kristina Schuler said.

According to a release issued by the Ad Hoc Committee Against HR 4437, thousands of immigrants from various ethnic groups marched in opposition to a bill that would propose a wall be built along the border of Mexico and the United States.

After more than a dozen CTA buses were rerouted during the afternoon, only four routes were still being affected as of 5:20 p.m., according to CTA spokeswoman Ibis Antongiorgi. They included the northbound No. 22 Clark Street bus, No. 24 Wentworth, No. 36 Broadway and No. 62 Archer buses, Antongiorgi said.

The rerouting, in anticipation of the rally, began about 1 p.m. as the rally proceeded into the Loop, she said.

As of about 2:45 p.m., the following streets were closed, according to police News Affairs: Clark Street from Michigan to Jackson, Canal Street between Van Buren and Washington, Adams Street between Michigan and Clark, and Jackson Boulevard from Ashland to Franklin. An update was not immediately available.

Metra had seen a lot of riders coming from the Villa Park area, Waukegan and Aurora, Pardonnet said. The three-year Metra employee did not remember fares being reduced due to the sheer volume of commuters during her tenure.

CTA was also warning customers to allow for extra travel time due to heavy ridership on the rail lines.

Sun-Times News Group Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2006

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