Thousands of people marched through downtown Columbia on Monday waving American flags and chanting “Si se puede!”

Their words translated to “We can do it!” as the crowd of mostly Hispanics demonstrated for immigration reform that would pave the way for millions of illegal immigrants to legally live and work in South Carolina.

“I want to have the right papers,” said Jose Luis Ruiz, 22, an illegal immigrant from Mexico who lives in Lexington. “I think it will be better for us and better for America.”

The Coalition for New South Carolinians sponsored the march and a rally in front of the State House as part of a nationwide day of protests over immigration law.

Hundreds of thousands of people demanding U.S. citizenship for illegal immigrants took to the streets across the country in some of the most widespread demonstrations since the mass protests began two weeks ago.

In Columbia, police said more than 3,000 people attended the peaceful rally, but organizers estimated the crowd was closer to 5,000. Similar events in Greenville and Charleston drew about 2,500 and 1,500 respectively.

Protesters began arriving at Finlay Park around 11 a.m., and at 1 p.m. they marched up Taylor Street to Main Street and then to the State House steps. Once there, speakers addressed the immigration debate in English and in Spanish.

At issue is a bill passed by the U.S. House that would crack down on illegal immigrants and strengthen the nation’s border with Mexico. A broader overhaul of immigration law stalled in the U.S. Senate last week.

Irma Santana, the coalition director, said the protesters want Congress to pass legislation that would benefit illegal immigrants instead of punishing them.

“We don’t want to be an invisible community anymore,” she said. “We are here to work and be productive citizens.”

South Carolina is home to an estimated 55,000 illegal immigrants, but some experts believe the actual number is more than double.

“We support the union of immigrants in South Carolina,” Santana said. “Who makes America? We make America. Immigrants from all over the world make America.”

As the protesters walked up Main Street, people working in office buildings came outside to watch. The marching men, women and children whistled and cheered as they waved American flags.

Protesters carried posters reading, “We clean your hotels,” “Undocumented students have the potential,” and “Civil rights for immigrants.”

They left jobs at chicken farms, restaurants and factories to attend. Some businesses, including dozens of Mexican restaurants and the Columbia Farms poultry plant, closed because of the rally.

Ruiz, who works in a saw mill, said he came to South Carolina eight years ago with his father. He attended A.C. Flora High School but dropped out in the 11th grade to work. He still does not have legal documents but wishes he could get them.

If Ruiz had legal documents, he said he would be able to get a driver’s license and buy a car. He said he pays federal and state income taxes and would like to have more opportunities.

“I hope one day,” he said.

Lawmakers are sharply divided over the issue.

Across the country, people debate whether illegal immigrants should be deported and whether a wall should be built along the Mexican border. Others argue the United States should find a way to legalize the more than 11 million illegal immigrants living in the country and reform the guest-worker program.

The division was evident Monday outside the State House.

When U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., told the crowd people would not be arrested at the rally Monday no matter their legal status, a woman standing on Assembly Street yelled, “That’s because the police are being prevented from enforcing the law.”

Ruth Russell was among about five counter-protesters flanking the rally.

“The amount they put into Social Security is not near the amount that they pull out for education, health services, law enforcement and court services,” said Russell, 44, whose husband is stationed at Fort Jackson.

She held a sign that read, “Illegal immigration is illegal.”

Russell doesn’t buy arguments for loosening immigration on the grounds that people will enter the country no matter what laws are in place.

“It’s akin to saying, ‘Let’s give them condoms because they’re going to have sex anyway,’” she said.

Russell’s presence didn’t bother Yara Hernandez, 31, who has lived in South Carolina for more than 11 years.

“If we have the right to say how we feel, they have the same right that we have,” said Hernandez, who wore an American flag T-shirt and was eating a McDonald’s Big Mac while listening to speakers.

Hernandez, a Mexican immigrant who has two U.S.-born daughters with her husband, hoped the rally drew attention to the immigrants’ side.

“There are a lot of illegal people who need support, and we pay taxes, too,” she said.

During the rally, Clyburn said he opposed the House legislation that would make illegal immigration a felony. He encouraged the protesters to continue their fight for fair immigration laws.

“I came today to say to each and every one of you that legislation must contain a pathway to citizenship and legalization,” Clyburn said.

Other speakers included Mayor Bob Coble and state NAACP president Lonnie Randolph, as well as immigrants who work or go to school in the Midlands. Local priests and pastors also addressed the crowd.

Hugo Tamayo, 20, spoke about his dreams of attending college. He graduated from Calhoun County High School but cannot go to a U.S. university because he is an illegal immigrant.

“I’m telling everyone to try their best and you will get an opportunity to reach your dreams.”

Reach Phillips at (803) 771-8307. Reach Michals at (803) 771-8532.