Tulsa Church To Take Part In Monday's Immigration Rally

As thousands of people are set to take to the streets Monday to express thier views on immigration. <br/><br/>"Day without Immigrant" rallies will be held across the nation, including one in downtown Tulsa

Sunday, April 30th 2006, 6:00 pm

By: News On 6

As thousands of people are set to take to the streets Monday to express thier views on immigration.

"Day without Immigrant" rallies will be held across the nation, including one in downtown Tulsa and those in favor of strict immigration reform are planning their own rally.

News on 6 reporter Ashli Sims has a preview.

Sunday service at El Pueblo De Dios was a time for fellowship, song, and prayer for a day one organizer calls a historic moment.

"A day without immigrant. We're going to get a taste of what it is for an immigrant not to buy, not to work, not to be visible." Reverend Victor Orta is leading the call for a day without immigrants in Tulsa.

The rally is protesting a proposed national law that would criminalize illegal immigrants. "Thats not America; that's not America. And if they're declared felons the path to citizenship is closed forever. Because we don't accept felons. And that's disastrous."

Margarita Rojo emigrated from Mexico 20 years ago, she became a citizen in 2002. She says before she was legal she lived in constant fear she would be seperated from her son.
"We are good people. We try to work; we try to survive. And we want the best for our family, ya know."

The Oklahoma Minuteman a branch of the national organization that goes down to the border to help stop illegal immigration is holding their own rally Monday. The local director was not available for an interview, but he had this to say in an email. "It is very distressing that the Tulsa Police do not and will not be allowed to ask anyone in attendance for thier immigration papers. Most of the individuals in attendance will be illegal. This makes them criminals, with no American rights."

The group says they endorse legal immigration but we must secure our borders. Orta welcomes the counter protest. "Fine. This is America. This is what America is about freedom of speech. I mean they're going to be right next door. And I'm gonna be 'Hey there!' This is AMERICA!"

And he says the Minuteman aren't the only ones in favor of securing the border.

Rev. Victor Orta:"We want just comprehensive immigration reform. Yes, we want the borders to be secure, we're for that. We got to close those borders, period. But what about those that are here?"

Orta wants a law that would provide the 12 million or so illegal immigrants with a path to citizenship.

Again, there are two opposing rallies scheduled for today in Tulsa. The "Day Without Immigrants" pro-immigration rally begins at 3 PM at Tulsaâ€™s downtown city hall plaza. The Oklahoma Minuteman rally begins at 12 Noon at 21st and Garnett.