2 sides schedule migrant rallies
Organizers of Sunday's planned "Dignity March" and Monday's "Unity Rally" are urging immigrants and their supporters to bring American flags as symbols of respect and to wear white T-shirts as symbols of peace.
"We're asking for responsible immigration reform and not just punitive measures," said Michael Clara, spokesman for the Utah Hispanic/Latino Legislative Task Force.
The events coincide with rallies planned nationwide on Monday in a call for comprehensive immigration reform including a pathway to legal status for the undocumented.
Meanwhile, anti-illegal immigration activists are planning "Pro-America" rallies to counter the demonstrations. The Minutemen want tighter border security and will be out to "show there are those in the state of Utah concerned about how Hispanics are being in your face about this immigration bill," said director Alex Segura.
U.S. Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, and Matt Throckmorton, chairman of Cannon's Immigration Advisory Committee, issued an open letter urging that rallies "be exercised in a respectful, productive way."
Hundreds of mostly Latino Utah high school and junior high students have already expressed their views by joining thousands of students in nationwide walkouts last week. Students have so far stayed in school this week, apparently heeding the calls of community leaders and school administrators.
After the flap surrounding Mexican flags carried by some students last week, demonstrators are being asked to bring only Utah and U.S. flags.
"As adults we want to teach them to bring unity to their message, but to consider their audience," Clara said. "Their audience isn't the Mexican Congress."
Jesse Soriano, a member of the Hispanic/Latino Legislative Task Force, understands the political reasoning behind asking protestors to leave their Mexican flags at home.
But as a Texas native and Korean War veteran, Jesse Soriano feels waving a Mexican flag isn't unpatriotic.
"It's the flag of their parents," Soriano said. "The flag of their country of origin has tremendous emotional impact."
Growing up, Soriano said he was labeled a Mexican. And while the American flag flew at his school, it was the Mexican flag that flew at dances and church.
"I'm still stirred by the sight of the Mexican flag and that doesn't detract, in any way, from my love for my country," he said.
For more information about the Unity Rally and Dignity March, visit www.losyapias.com. For information about the Pro-America Rally, visit www.utahminuteman.org.
E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com
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