CHICAGO, March 11 (UPI) -- More than 100,000 immigrants and supporters rallied in Chicago in opposition to a federal bill that would put a fence at Mexico's border.
The crowd marched from Union Park to Federal Plaza Friday, shutting down the Loop, calling for a wider acceptance of immigrants, specifically Mexican.
The bill, H.R. 4437, which already passed in the House, would increase punishment for undocumented immigrants along with other enforcement measures.
Protestors mostly support an alternative bill offered by Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.
The Chicago Tribune said Friday's events spread by word of mouth and shut down many businesses that rely on immigrant labor. Irish, Polish and Chinese residents, along with students who walked out of high school, showed up as a sign of solidarity.
A rally, attended by thousands waiving U.S. flags along with other countries, started with a moment of silence for troops in Iraq and then the Pledge of Allegiance.
U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez, R-Ill., said the march "brought together the true fabric of what Chicago is, of what our country is." The governor of Illinois and mayor of Chicago were at the event.
