The San Diego based group Border Angels marched their message into the Coachella Valley Thursday. Activists rallied for immigration reform promised by the President. Founder Enrique Morones says he's not calling for amnesty, but has asked President Obama for a pathway to legalization and citizenship. "Why don't they get in line? There is no line!" said Morones.
Border Angels are marching for their fifth year, traveling from Mexico, through Arizona and back to California. "It's a human rights issue," said Michelle Krug from San Diego. "People are just trying to survive, feed their families."
Activists say they held a vigil in Coachella and then moved their rally to the bus stop in Indio, where travelers say Border Patrol Agents are often seen. "Yes, the Border Patrol has their job to do, but it's called Border Patrol..they should be at the Border," said Morones.
A spokesman from Border Patrol says, as part of their operation, agents do conduct immigration checks at transportation hubs, and do have the authority to inquire about immigration status.
Meanwhile, President Obama has said he will tackle immigration reform beginning in 2010. "It's a very sticky situation," said John Marlon, who's from California but now lives in Southern China. "if one person has to wait in line, that means everyone should have to wait in line. Illegal immigration is really cutting in front of line..not waiting your turn. I'm not for that."
