SCOTT GULLEDGE / Scroll
Rexburg residents march down the street Thursday, April 13 to protest impending immigration legislation.

Local protesters march against immigration reform

Gideon Oakes OAK04004@BYUI.EDU Scroll Staff

Nearly 500 people took to the streets in Rexburg April 13, to protest immigration reform measures that are currently being debated in Congress, including a bill that would make illegal entry into the United States a felony.

Carrying signs and chanting in Spanish, the protesters marched down 2nd East from Wal-Mart to the courthouse, then up Main Street to Broulim’s, where they turned around and marched back.

As the march progressed, many more people joined the crowd, hopping out of cars and running to catch up. By the time it was over, an estimated 100 more people had joined the protest than had started out.

The march drew much attention from local shopkeepers, many of whom wondered what the commotion was on their doorsteps. One business owner was even observed joining in the chant, “¡Sí, se puede!”, meaning, “Yes, it can be done!”

Protesters carried both American and Mexican flags during the march.

In other protests around the country, reform supporters have raised concerns about flags of other countries being displayed at protests.

Reactions from passing motorists were mixed. In some cases, people would honk horns in support, while others gave dirty looks and shook their fists.

A common theme among protesters was a love for the United States.

Phrases such as “We love the USA” and “Let us live the American dream” were among the signs demonstrators carried.

t the center of the immigration reform debate is House Resolution 4437, a bill that, if passed, would make illegal immigration a felony.

Officially named the Border Protection, Antiterrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act of 2005, the measure is designed to strengthen enforcement of immigration laws, enhance border security and increase funding for Border Patrol.

Sen. Larry Craig issued a statement Saturday advocating a compromise ensuring both protected borders and provisions for necessary immigrant workers.

“The immigration debate is not going away until we have a compromise in place, approved by the House and Senate, and signed by the president,” Craig said. “I will not rest until we have secure borders and a system that provides the workers we need.”

A similar compromise failed last week after political analysts predicted the bill would pass by a wide margin.

The next nationwide immigration protest is scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, when immigrants around the nation are expected to spend the day boycotting work, school and jobs, to demonstrate the importance of immigrants to the U.S. economy.

The boycott, dubbed “Day of the Worker,” is timed to coincide with the catholic feast of St. Joseph the Worker, the patron saint of working people.