On Saturday, May 1, Lacy MacAuley and I joined a huge pro-immigrant rights rally outside the White House to show our support for civil rights. Here is a little video we made about the day.

For many years, I have worked in immigrant rights and have supported laws that make it easier for immigrants to be a part of society, such as getting a driver’s license. When one group of people does not have the same rights as the majority, they will be exploited. Right now, workers across the country are getting paid less than minimum wage because their employers threaten them. Today in Arizona, people are afraid to call the police, which means criminals have free reign. It’s unjust, unfair, and dangerous for all of us.

We applauded U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) who sat down in front of the White House in an act of civil disobedience and was arrested to show his support for immigrants.

From The New York Times coverage:

Mr. Gutierrez was handcuffed behind his back with plastic cuffs by the Park Police, and he walked in silence when an officer led him away along the black wrought-iron fence in front of the White House. Among others arrested with him were Jaime Contreras, director for Washington, D.C., of the Service Employees International Union; Joshua Hoyt, Ali Noorani, Deepak Bhargava, and Gustavo Torres, leaders of immigrant advocate organizations; and Gregory Cendana, president of the United States Student Association.

- Sarah