NEW YORK, April 2 (UPI) -- Tens of thousands of legal and illegal immigrants rallied in New York to protest a Republican-led push to tighten up border security and immigration laws.
The march went from Manhattan across the Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday, with predominantly Hispanic marchers, but also Asians and West Indians, the New York Daily News reported.
In an address to the throngs of people draped in flags of Mexico, Ecuador and Argentina, Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., said strength comes with numbers, and that there are an estimated 12 million illegal aliens on U.S. soil.
"There would be no America without you people coming here," he said. "If you ever stop working for one day, this country will close down."
Among the bills making their way through Congress is one that would build a wall along parts of the Mexican border and stiffen penalties against illegal immigrants and those who assist them, the newspaper said.
A more moderate bill calls for amnesty for illegal aliens already working here who agree to pay back taxes and learn English.
