Protests held to advocate for protection of immigrant rights

Immigrant rights advocates scheduled demonstrations all around the country last weekend, January 14 and 15. The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles spokesman Jorge-Mario Cabrera said of the protests, “This is our first salvo to what may be a long, drawn out campaign.”

The demonstrations are the latest movement in the advocacy that has progressed since 2006 when over one million people protested a Republican-backed immigration bill that would have made it possible to criminally prosecute people in the country illegally. Rallies last weekend culminated at a church in Washington, at a teachers’ union hall in Chicago, and in Los Angeles and San Jose.

Demonstrations were sparked by President-elect Donald Trump’s campaign rhetoric that he would implement tougher immigration policies and penalties. However, some people are hesitant to join the rallies without the action Trump is referencing. University of California, Berkeley professor of ethnic studies Chris Zepeda-Millan said, “Right now, all we have is these vague kinds of promises. Attacks have to occur for people to mobilize.”

We at the Law Office of William Jang, PLLC are committed to providing you with the legal support and representation you need when it comes to processing your immigration into the United States. Speak with a qualified member of our legal team by calling our Austin offices today at (512) 323-2333.