US counts cost of day without immigrants

· Protests force firms to close and hit industry
· More than 1 million take to streets over new bill

Dan Glaister in Los Angeles and Ewen MacAskill in Washington
Tuesday May 2, 2006

The Guardian (UK)

One of the biggest protests in US history unfolded across America yesterday as more than a million demonstrators took to the streets to protest against proposals to toughen immigration law.

From New York to Los Angeles and more than 50 cities in between, they streamed out in their numbers, waving US, Mexican and El Salvadorean flags. Most of the protesters were Latino, reinforcing what for many was the true impact of the day: the emergence of a powerful Latino political voice angry at a system which they say judges them good enough to work in the US but not good enough to be citizens.

A sea of white-shirted protesters 300,000 strong, chanting "Si, se puede" ("Yes, it can be done") surged through Los Angeles. In Chicago police said up to 400,000 protesters had taken part in a rally. Other large demonstrations took place in Denver, which saw 75,000 protesters, Houston and San Diego.

The street protests were the centrepiece of what organisers dubbed the Great American Boycott, or A Day Without Immigrants.

With protesters urged to boycott shops and to stay away from work and school, it was hoped that the immigrant community, which is thought to include almost 12 million undocumented migrants, would be able to bring home its contribution to the US economy. There are about 35 million legal immigrants in the US.

The mood at the first of two demonstrations in Los Angeles was celebratory, with protesters streaming along Broadway in the heart of downtown towards City Hall. "I'm here to support the people who work here and to demand full rights for all immigrants," said Ricardo Meneses, who came to the US from Mexico 15 years ago. "We all come here to look for work. The only thing we can do now is demonstrate peacefully." Mr Meneses, who described his job as an "agent", said he was forgoing a day's income by attending the demonstration. "What does it matter?" he asked.

Around him the predominantly Latino demonstrators blew whistles and banged drums, emotions and noise levels rising every time a police helicopter appeared overhead. Banners in English and Spanish raised the issues of the day: "The US is made by immigrants," read one; "This is not democracy, it's hypocrisy," said another, referring to a bill passed by the House of Representatives in December that would criminalise undocumented migrants as well as spending money to tighten border security.

One of the few white protesters, wearing an organic farms T-shirt, held a placard scrawled with the words: "Pick your own lettuce today, whitey." A Latino protester wore a T-shirt reading "The sleeping giant has awoken", referring to an immigration protest at the end of March which attracted half a million people to the streets of Los Angeles. The scale of that protest and others around the country shocked organisers, police and politicians, and helped to move the debate on immigration to the top of the agenda.

Luis, 26, who came from Guatemala 14 years ago, said he had taken a day off from his work as a doctor's assistant because he thought that the contribution of immigrants should be recognised. "I think we're lucky to have so many immigrants here," he said. "I crossed a river and came here as an illegal and now I have a green card [residency] and a profession. I want others to have the same opportunity. The way we treat immigrants at the moment isn't just."

Along Broadway almost every business and shop had closed for the day. Across the rest of the state and the nation the success of the boycott was more muted.

Long Beach, the country's biggest port, 30 miles south of Los Angeles, was reported to be quiet. Districts across the country with large Latino populations were said to be quieter than usual, and some large employers said they were shutting down for the day. Tyson Foods, the world's largest meat producer, closed about a dozen of its more than 100 plants. But overall the effect on the economy appeared to be less than organisers had hoped. Other than communities with very high immigrant populations, most cities seemed to function normally.

Many supporters of the protest against the immigration reform proposals currently before Congress had expressed unease about the tactic of a boycott, arguing that it would alienate the business community, which has been a vocal supporter of what is termed "comprehensive immigration reform", mixing tougher border security with a route to citizenship for those already in the country.

A second demonstration was planned for later Monday in Los Angeles, allowing people to go to work and school before protesting. Arnold Schwarzenegger, California's governor, had expressed his disapproval of the demonstrations, while George Bush said he did not support boycotts but did support comprehensive immigration reform.

FAQ: Why people are protesting

What are they protesting about?
The debate over the estimated 12 million undocumented migrants in the US became critical with the passage of bill HR 4437 by the House of Representatives in December. Known as the Sensenbrenner legislation, it would criminalise illegal immigrants, while toughening border control. Crucially, it does not offer any route to citizenship for those already inside the US.

Who are the protesters?
Immigrants rights groups, undocumented and documented migrants, school children, workers in industries dominated by immigrants - notably agriculture, construction, catering - plus anti-war protesters and others.

How many took part?
Around 400,000 marched in Chicago yesterday, 300,000 in LA, and 75,000 in Denver. Big turnouts were reported in several other major centres, and rallies were organised in more than 50 cities.

What do the politicians say?
George Bush favours "comprehensive immigration reform", code for tougher border controls and a guest worker programme. The Republicans are split between business, which needs the workers, and those wanting to stop the influx of immigrants.

What happens next?
Congress continues to debate the various proposals before it. Protesters will hope that Monday's events will give added impetus to the search for a compromise; opponents will argue that the protests have damaged their cause.

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