Activists Stage Sit-In To Demand Immigration Reform

By aaroncynic in News on Nov 7, 2013 7:30PM

More than 100 protesters were arrested during a sit-in in front of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services building in the South Loop late yesterday afternoon. Demonstrators blocked traffic at Congress and Clark for about an hour to demand immigration reform and a halt to deportations. Several politicians were among the arrested, including Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno (1st) and Rep. Danny Davis.

The protesters called out both House Republicans and President Obama for failing to pass immigration reform and provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants. “The President failed to keep his promise by deporting close to 2 million people and creating over 3 million orphans,” said Lawrence Benito, Executive Director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, who organized the demonstration. In a statement provided to reporters, organizers said 1,100 families are separated each day Congress waits to pass legislation.

While hundreds stood on the sidewalks on each corner of the intersection chanting in support, those participating in the sit-in were led by police about a block east and issued citations.

“There’s been too many deportations,” said one nun who chose to be arrested. “That means 2 million families who’ve been torn apart. That means 3 million children who have lost a parent or both parents.” In a press conference prior to the action, Rep. Davis said “I want to ask my speaker, John Boehner, to give us a vote on a humane comprehensive immigration bill.”