LOS ANGELES, July 31 (UPI) -- A group of undocumented Asians began a U.S. tour Wednesday, calling for a comprehensive immigration overhaul.
Gaby Pacheco, director of the Bridge Project, told The Wall Street Journal stops are planned in Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles and six other U.S. cities to meet with community leaders and visit local congressional offices.
"Asians are not only more present, they are also playing an important role," Pacheco said.
There are roughly 1.3 million undocumented Asians in the United States, the second largest group after Hispanics who number 8.3 million, the Pew Hispanic Center reported.
Despite their relatively large numbers, undocumented Asians have traditionally kept a low profile in the debate over U.S. immigration policy.
"The myth of the model minority is that we Asians are high achievers, we shouldn't advertise we're undocumented," said Hong Mei Pang, 24, who attended The New School in New York City. "It's time to talk about it in the community and to increase our visibility."
Pang and other Asians have lobbied New York and New Jersey lawmakers in recent months for legislation allowing undocumented youths to qualify for driver's licenses and student financial aid.
