(Columbia-AP) April 10, 2006 - Thousands of people are taking part in rallies in South Carolina on Monday to protest the failure of legislation to broaden immigrant rights.

The largest crowd is reported in Columbia, where about 3,000 people are on hand. About 2,500 people are in Greenville. More than 400 people are in Charleston.

The protesters are calling the demonstrations the National Action for the Rights of Immigrants and are part of dozens of demonstrations nationwide.

Diana Salazar is march coordinator for the South Carolina Latinos Coalition. She says it's time for immigrants to get rights they are due.

Those opposed to amnesty for illegal immigrants say those here illegally are depressing wages and driving up health costs.

Updated 1:11pm by Bryce Mursch