Rally Draws Attention To Controversial Immigration Bill

Both sides of the immigration debate took to the streets in Tulsa Saturday. Hispanics celebrating Cinco de Mayo came out to protest a strict immigration bill. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Minutemen rallied in

Saturday, May 5th 2007, 4:17 pm

By: News On 6

Both sides of the immigration debate took to the streets in Tulsa Saturday. Hispanics celebrating Cinco de Mayo came out to protest a strict immigration bill. Meanwhile, Oklahoma Minutemen rallied in support of the stricter laws. The News On 6â€™s Joshua Brakhage reports both sides agree U.S. immigration policy is in desperate need of reform. The disagreement comes when you ask, how?

"AquÃ estamos. No lo vamos."

The crowd's chant: "we're here, we're not going." A thousand Oklahoma Hispanics and Hispanic rights supporters flood the streets of east Tulsa on Saturday armed with homemade signs and American flags. Some think speaking through the red, white and blue is the best language to communicate with their American neighbors.

"I really do pray that it does make a difference," said one protestor.

On May 5th, Mexicans celebrate their heritage and national pride. But this Cinco de Mayo, they say they're proud of their adopted country. Saturdayâ€™s event was about more than just pride, it was about politics. House Bill 1804 is called one of the strictest immigration reform measures in the country. It has passed the Oklahoma state House and Senate, and is now on Governor Henry's desk.

"I trust Governor Henry. I think that he's going to make the right decision,â€ a demonstrator at the event said. â€œBut I think that we just need to be careful because we don't want to make criminals of people who are not criminals."

Immigrants whoâ€™ve had children in the United States are worried by the new legislation. They fear it could separate their American born children from their illegal parents.

"It's pulling families apart. It brings the racism," said one march participant.

The American Dream Coalition has no problem recognizing the need for immigration reform. But they admit it's a problem with no easy answers.

"I don't know that there's an answer to immigration reform," Angie, a demonstrator at the even said.

"Yes, we want a reform, but a fair one," said another protestor.

Those at Saturdayâ€™s protest say they're sure Governor Henry has their best interests at heart; they say they're certain the governor will veto this bill.

Watch the video: Immigration Rally Held On Cinco de Mayo

Related Stories:

3/5/2007 Green Country Hispanics Fight New Immigration Bill

4/3/2007 Controversial Immigration Bill Closer To Becoming Law

4/16/2007 State Senate Approves Sweeping Immigration Legislation

4/19/2007 Hispanics Speak Out Against Immigration Legislation

5/1/2007 State House Sends Immigration Reform Bill To The Governor

5/1/2007 Hispanic Leaders Say State Immigration Bill Will Not Work

5/4/2007 HOUSE BILL 1804

5/5/2007 Minutemen Rally In Tulsa