More than 600 immigrants rallied at the State House today, asking state lawmakers to support pro-immigrant legislation.
The rally took place as bipartisan groups in Washington say they’re closing in on a deal to overhaul the nation’s immigration laws.
Clear pathways to education and citizenship are the most urgent issues, immigrants at the rally said.
“Anyone’s education benefits everyone," Jose Antonio Vargas told the crowd. "And that’s why Massachusetts needs to provide instate tuition for all undocumented youth.”
Vargas, a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist who’s written extensively about his undocumented status, kicked off a lobbying day at the State House.
"I may not have a drivers license or a U.S. passport or a state id, but to me citizenship is more than just a piece of paper," he said. "I am an American and I'm waiting for my country to recognize it."
Listening to Vargas was a woman named Souad Akib, who lives in Malden. She’s a U.S. citizen originally from Morocco.
“The Arab community is growing," Akib said. "We just want to have a safe, peace life. And be aware of our rights."
And Carmina Escobar said it’s taken her eight years to bring her children to the states from El Salvador. She said she’s been grateful for state support.
“Es bonito comparitir y apoyarnos con nosotros,” she said it's beautiful for immigrants to share and lean on each other.
Among the bills the group was promoting is the Safe Driving Bill, which would allow all state residents to apply for a driver’s license, regardless of their immigration status.
Last year Gov. Deval Patrick vetoed a bill designed to keep illegal immigrants from registering motor vehicles in Massachusetts.
The speakers said they were encouraged by work on immigration reform in Washington. A bipartisan group of U.S. senators known as the "Gang of Eight" appears to have drafted a guest worker component and gained endorsement from business and labor groups over the holiday recess. Comprehensive immigration reform legislation could come in draft form by week's end.
