Thousands call for immigration reform

WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 (UPI) -- About 3,000 people lobbied the U.S. Congress on immigration reform Tuesday as Rep. Luis Gutierrez announced a bill to provide a path to legal status.

The day ended with a 3 p.m. rally on the West Lawn of the Capitol, The New York Times reported. Other rallies were held in 20 other cities.

"We need a bill that says if you come here to hurt our communities, we will not support you; but if you are here to work hard and to make a better life for your family, you will have the opportunity to earn your citizenship," Gutierrez, D-Ill., said in a statement. "We need a law that says it is un-American for a mother to be torn from her child, and it is unacceptable to undermine our workforce by driving the most vulnerable among us further into the shadows."

Immigration reform was a tough sell when the economy was strong and appears to be even tougher now. President Barack Obama has said he does not expect legislative action until next year at the earliest.