(Ed. note: Beyond Chron’s Rita Mandelenis interviewed several participants in yesterday’s protest march, and provides us with another small glimpse of the day with these snapshots…)
How would you feel if the bill passes?
• “I’d be very disappointed in the government and the American people. I would consider leaving the U.S. and go to another country, maybe somewhere in Europe.”—Fernando Ramirez (and son)
• “Its not fair to all the families that aren’t legal. This situation is like the 1940s when people were treated badly, but the only difference today is they have written laws like minimum wage. But we still can’t make a living off it. I think a lot of Americans just don’t know what it is like until they walk in our shoes.”—Anonymous
Will it affect you personally if the bill passes?
• “Basically, my whole future will change.”—Gladys
• “As an ESL teacher I would loose my profession and the close relationships I have with that community. I think the Latino community is the grassroots, or the foundation of this city and many others. The country would be at a great economic and cultural loss if this bill passes.”—Rebecca (wearing a homemade Human Rights shirt)
What brought you out here today?
• “This is just ridiculous, making criminals out of people. I’m a peoplist—I like everyone. I’m not a feminist or a senior citizen. And, everyone deserves equal rights.”—86-year-old Jane Morrison
• “The San Francisco democratic party brought me out here today. And, I’m here to show my support for all undocumented immigrants. I would feel great if this bill does not pass.”—Jason Wong
• “I came out because I was very interested to see who would be marching. I support the cause. Everyone is a human being and they just want an opportunity to make it.”—Terry
• “I’m here because I want to stay here. I would be the only one in my family that would have to leave, and I don’t want to. I have been in this country for 21 years and all my children were born here. I would wait for citizenship, but I want it now.”—Luz-Lara
• “I’m here to show my support for the Latin community. Maybe it can help find people better jobs.”—Ramon Hernandez of Local 261 Laborers
• “I came from Mexico for a better future and I want a better future for everyone. It doesn’t make sense because this country was built on immigrants.”—Miguel Flores
• “Those against us say it is because of taxes, but we pay our taxes. We actually pay more because when you’re not a citizen you cannot file for a refund, so we don’t get any money back. I don’t think we are a strain on the country.”—Pedro Mendoza
