Immigrants demand ‘reform now!’

Almost one thousand immigrants and their supporters took their demands for comprehensive immigration reform to the streets of Houston on March 21. Families from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and all over Latin America united under banners demanding dignity and respect, an end to raids, passage of the Dream Act for college students, an end to deportations, and an end to 287(g). The march was led by the Living Hope Wheel Chair Association, a group of immigrants with spinal cord injuries who no longer can receive any financial aid for their disabilities if they are undocumented. A town hall meeting organized by the Coalition in Defense of the Community is set for April 10 at Plaza Americas from 2:30-5:30, to develop strategies to pressure the Obama administration and Congress to pass reform. The meeting will also begin the community organizing for Houston’s May 1 march and rally.