World News Thousands protest for illegal immigrant rights

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NEW YORK (AP) — Hundreds of thousands of people demanding U.S. citizenship for illegal immigrants took to the streets throughout the United States on April 10 in demonstrations that have been compared to the 1960s civil rights movement.

Demonstrators in New York City held signs with slogans such as "We Are America," "Immigrant Values Are Family Values," and "Legalize Don't Criminalize."

"We love this country. This country gives to us everything," said Florentino Cruz, 32, an illegal worker from Mexico, who has been in the United States since 1992. "This country was made by immigrants."

The protesters have been urging lawmakers to help an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants settle legally in the United States.

A bill passed by the House of Representatives would crack down on illegal immigrants and strengthen the nation's border with neighboring Mexico.

A broader overhaul of immigration law has stalled in the Senate.

"Today we say to America — we've come here to work," Los Angeles' Hispanic Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa told a crowd of up to 10,000. "We clean your toilets. We clean your hotels. We build your houses. We take care of your children. We want you to help us take care of our children as well."

不法移民の権利を求めるデモ

アメリカ各地で10日、不法移民に対する権利を求めるデモが行なわれ、数十万もの人が参加した。

Shukan ST: April 21, 2006

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