Thousands turned out yesterday to support immigrant rights at Dolores Park, and later marched to the San Francisco Federal Building. Supporters were there to protest HR 4437, the Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism, and Illegal Immigration Control Act and to gear up for the huge protest May 1st. Caitlin from the International Socialist Organization said that in a socialist society immigrant rights would not even be an issue.

“We need to have an equal share of power,” she said. “The bill creates second-class citizens; I believe in total amnesty.” Amnesty was a popular term used yesterday, and was written in bold letters on many hand-held signs. The supporters want immigrants who already reside in the U.S. to stay, without prosecution. “I support amnesty and everyone should be legal here,” said Violeta Peña, who migrated to the United States from Venezuela. “We’re here to work for a better life.”

One speaker said that the U.S. is a co-creator of many problems abroad that make people leave their homes and families in hope of an enhanced life.

“Its just so much safer here, and the police are much better,” said Peña, who eluded that police are extremely corrupt in some parts of the world.

And, the overwhelming tone of the rally was to prohibit the government from turning immigrants into criminals. In the first submitted draft HR 4437 would make the mere presence of an illegal immigrant a felony.

“Stop Attacks on Immigrants!” read one man’s sign.

“I absolutely believe in a world without borders,” said Ray Gottfredson who was touched by the issue when thinking back to when his family migrated here. “This is a human issue, not a border issue.”

Carlos Manchu has live in the United States for 25 years and says that there are very few immigrants who are actually committing crime; therefore all should not be punished.

“I’m here to stand up for my rights,” said Manchu. “We are thousands here, but they [the government] think they have the power, but we will show them May 1st.”

Cathy Ng thought that immigrants are now scapegoats for the Bush Administration.

“There a so many more important issues right now,” said Ng. “This country was built on immigrants from all over, it’s just a very scary thought.”

Renee Saucedo from La Raza Centro Legal and the SF Day Laborer Program took the stage last. As soon as she began to speak, the force in her voice rejuvenated the crowd.

“We will always and unconditionally and 100 percent resist anti-immigration laws!” said Saucedo. “So, arrest people because they look like immigrants.”

Saucedo said that she was ready to go to jail for the cause. And, that the SF Day Laborer Program will never check papers of those who are willing to work.

“You can take us to jail!” she shouted. “The media says that we’re divided, but we’re not!”

Saucedo urged the crowd not to go to work on May 1 and not to purchase anything. The march begins at 11am at the Embarcadero and Market Streets.