(Columbia) April 10, 2006 - Immigration has become a
big issue in South Carolina, a fact backed up the size
of the crowd downtown Monday.
About 3,000 people marched up Main Street to the
State House chanting "Si se puede." That means "It can
be done." They want a law that would make it easier for
immigrants to settle legally.
Hugo Tamayo, 20, was born in Mexico. He says he
graduated from high school with honors, but can't get
accepted to college because of his immigrant status,
"I'm here because I want to continue studying, which I
can't. I graduated with honors and I can't do nothing
about that."
He says it's because he's not a legal citizen yet,
"It would help me be equal to other Americans around
here, and I believe we are all equal."
Many people at the rally, like Tamayo, are personally
affected by the issue of immigration reform.
When Ramon Escobedo came to America nearly a decade
ago, he had dreams of a better life, "We came from
Mexico because this country is best."
He thought America offered the best-paying jobs, and
the best future for his children, like son Eric, "That's
why we're here, trying to help out here, to make a
better living."
Ramon and his family are still on visas, and are not
citizens. Under the current law, that could stop his
teenaged son from going to college. Eric spoke about his
future, "It makes me worried, because if I study through
elementary school and high school and don't get a Social
Security number, then that is the end of my education."
Lucy Chavez has lived in America for 15 years, paying
taxes and working. She understands security concerns
that legislators have raised, but, "They not come to
kill people. We come for work, and to get our lives
straight."
Recently Lucy received her citizenship, but many
members of her family are still in limbo, like pregnant
cousin Gabrielle Aguirre. Gabrielle's daughter, Jessica,
translates, "If they report on her she has to leave, and
leave the baby here, cause he can stay, but she cannot."
Ramon and Lucy hope the laws will change in the
future because Ramon tells WIS, "This is my country too.
I love this country."
At the rally people held signs saying everything from
"USA - A Nation of Immigrants" to "We Pay Taxes."
Opponents say illegal immigrants depress wages and
drive up health costs.
But those at the rally, like Antonina Rosas, are
asking for a chance "to be treated the same as everyone
else."
The rally echoed several other
marches held around the country Monday. And there
were other marches in South Carolina as well. About
2,500 people demonstrated in Greenville. More than 400
people went to the Charleston rally.
Reported by Jennifer
Miskewicz & Tamara
King
Posted 5:01pm by Chantelle
Janelle
