Matt Weir/ The Collegian
Click here for video coverage of the rally.
Update, 1:07 p.m.
Associated Student, Inc. President Pedro Ramirez took the stand.
Matt Weir/ The Collegian
Right now faculty and staff members, community members and Centro Binacional de Indigenas Oaxaquenos are rallying in support of the DREAM Act.
Raul Moreno, coordinator of the University Migrant Services said, “I love them, I admire them.” He encouraged students to be in the public service. “Right now it is time to create change, change is not going to come alone.”
Dr. Welty talked about the American dream and the DREAM Act while on stage. He gives his support to the DREAM Act, and encourages people to reach out and call their representatives to support the Dream Act.
“It time for Fresno state to lead the way” Dr. Welty said, “it’s time to pass the dream act.”
President Welty was chanting in support of the DREAM Act along with rally members. “Tell me how the students look like and how democracy looks like,” the chant said.
A student said, “I grew up in America. I feel American, and I am American.” The student says that when someone says they don’t belong here it breaks his heart.
Matt Weir/ The Collegian
Update, 11:30 a.m.
At 11:30 a.m. the Tea Party, an anti big-government, grassroots political movement, has arrived on campus in protest of the DREAM Act rally in the Peace Garden.
The Brown Berets, a Latino defense force for liberation, has also stepped foot on campus. It supports the bipartisan legislation.
Before the rally began, Fresno State senior Neil O’Brien spoke out against Associated Student, Inc. President Pedro Ramirez. O’Brien stated why he was against the DREAM Act, as well as why he believes Ramirez should step down.
Fresno State senior Adriana Sanchez opened the DREAM Act rally.
“I am undocumented and I am not afraid,” Sanchez said to The Collegian.
Sanchez said the purpose of today’s event is to learn more about the DREAM Act and AB 540 and to share the stories from AB 540 students in order to make the DREAM Act a reality.
For more information visit “2010 DREAM ACT NOW! Rally”
Check back at The Collegian Online as details emerge.
JJ • Nov 23, 2010 at 10:59 am
KingMXO:
Fairness?! Are you insane? My family came to the Untied States legally under my father’s H1B visa. I went to local high school for 4 years. But because our visa status, I am still paying out-of-state tuition. These people, eithe theor parents or themselves, have broken the U.S. immigration laws. They are criminals, but yet the DREAM ACT attempts to give them in-state tuitions and perhaps financial aids. I don’t recall the founding fathers encouraged criminal activities.
**final line deleted** please avoid name calling.
JJ • Nov 23, 2010 at 10:59 am
KingMXO:
Fairness?! Are you insane? My family came to the Untied States legally under my father’s H1B visa. I went to local high school for 4 years. But because our visa status, I am still paying out-of-state tuition. These people, eithe theor parents or themselves, have broken the U.S. immigration laws. They are criminals, but yet the DREAM ACT attempts to give them in-state tuitions and perhaps financial aids. I don’t recall the founding fathers encouraged criminal activities.
**final line deleted** please avoid name calling.
Illegal Alien Report • Nov 22, 2010 at 6:06 am
He is taking the place of a more deserving American or regular alien student both of which would be a better use of classroom space then an illegal alien. Illegal aliens should not be allowed to attend college or be educated in anyway that is paid for by American taxpayers. Think about it, do want more or less competition in the classroom and ultimately the job market?
As a college graduate I know that if an illegal alien had occupied a seat requiring me to get up for an earlier class it would have made me furious especially if I could have gone to the bar otherwise. I’ve also learned how competitive the job market is no matter how good your resume is and even though I am employed at the moment I don’t want to risk having any illegal alien competitors in the future.
http://illegalalienreport.com
Anonymous • Nov 20, 2010 at 5:41 am
“I am undocumented and I am not afraid,” Sanchez said to The Collegian. Yes, this is the problem– lack of enforcement.
Anonymous • Nov 19, 2010 at 10:54 pm
The whole world is looking at this situation, why do many people think that Pedro will get deported. I believe that is an ignorant statement. Human rights movement have always had positive outcomes and that’s just reality. Poeple come togheter for a porpuse and in this case it is the Dream Act. I support the dream act because it defines fairness , feedom and equality, etc.. something our founding fathers brought to the United States of America. Pedro I admire you…
Anonymous • Nov 20, 2010 at 2:30 am
Define “human rights.” What governmental authority enforces these so-called “rights”?
JJ • Nov 23, 2010 at 11:05 am
How about equality and fair treatment to those who follow our immigration laws? Many children of legal immigrants who are under temporary visa are not getting the same sweet deal.
These people are CRIMINALS who broke our laws!! Human Rights movement? What human rights? These people are not political refugees.
JJ • Nov 23, 2010 at 11:05 am
How about equality and fair treatment to those who follow our immigration laws? Many children of legal immigrants who are under temporary visa are not getting the same sweet deal.
These people are CRIMINALS who broke our laws!! Human Rights movement? What human rights? These people are not political refugees.