MAY DAY: Immigration rallies nationwide

Although attendance is down this year, there was still a massive turn-out at this year's May Day celebrations that spanned across the country. Thousands joined immigration marches around the country demanding a path to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants. This year, Los Angeles expected it's largest group ever, but some reports confirm a disappointing number. No rallies were planned in Atlanta because many immigrants were afraid of the new state law set to take effect in July.

A year ago, hundreds of thousands of mostly Hispanic immigrants walked off the job and packed streets of major cities from New England to California in a massive show of their economic clout.

Source: today.reuters.com

May Day has long been a focal point for demonstrations by various socialist, communist, and anarchist groups. In some circles, bonfires are lit in commemoration of the Haymarket martyrs, usually right as the first day of May begins

Source: en.wikipedia.org

In Los Angeles, marches were set to include demands for a legalization program, a stop to the raids and an anti-Iraq war message. City and transportation officials were planning for as many as 500,000 people in downtown, believing it could be the largest in the city so far this year.

Source: apnews.myway.com

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Tags: Protesters | Politics | May Day | immigrant | Los Angeles | demonstrators | citizenship