Organizers Expect Crush for Immigrant Rights Rally

The demonstrations, which are being coordinated by an umbrella organization known as the National Capital Immigration Coalition, began yesterday in more than 20 cities, including Dallas, where police estimated that 300,000 to 350,000 people gathered.

In Dallas, many waved U.S. flags and wore white clothing to symbolize peace, the Associated Press reported. There were no reports of violence.

The events will continue today in cities small and large, including Phoenix, New York, Seattle and Chicago. The rally on the Mall was expected to be among the largest, although with an estimated Hispanic population of 576,000 in 2004, the Washington region isn't among the 10 U.S. metropolitan areas with the most Hispanics.

Frustration among immigrant groups has increased since a bipartisan compromise to rewrite the nation's immigration laws fell apart last week when Democrats rejected demands from conservative Republicans for numerous changes, some designed to limit the number of illegal immigrants who could become eligible for citizenship.

"I think people have to realize that enough is enough in the bashing of immigrants," said Del. Victor R. Ramirez (D-Prince George's). "We can't be the scapegoats for everything that happens in this country. We're just as American as everyone else."

But some organizations, such as the Minuteman Project, a national anti-illegal immigration group, oppose the demonstrations. Stephen Schreiman, director of the Maryland chapter, said only U.S. citizens should have the right to protest on U.S. land.

"Unfortunately, American laws do not ban foreigners from protesting on our soil," he said. "They've got the legal right to go out there and protest."

He added that he doesn't think the demonstrations will be effective. "Who are they influencing? They're not influencing Congress," Schreiman said.

Although Latinos make up the vast majority of protesters expected, organizations representing other immigrants also said they would send people.

For instance, several hundred Korean Americans are planning to go to the Mall, said Chung Pak of the League of Korean Americans of Maryland. He added that many Korean American business owners who employ Latinos are letting them take the day off with full pay.

The Archdiocese of Washington announced yesterday that it would send Cardinal Theodore McCarrick to give the opening prayer at the rally, planned for 4:30 p.m., spokeswoman Susan Gibbs said.

Organizers fanned out yesterday in a last-minute effort to generate enthusiasm and support for the march. They urged people to wear white T-shirts to symbolize peace and carry U.S. flags.