By Monika Nordmann
Reporter

Thousands of people came together in Lower Manhattan on a sunny April 1 to march for their future and for the future of their kids. They were protesting a proposed law that has turned out millions of people in marches across the country.

Among other things the proposed law would make being an undocumented immigrant a felony and also criminalize people who helped illegal immigrants. The bill has lost significant support since protest marches filled the streets in major cities across the nation over recent weeks.

Policemen gathered by the Brooklyn Bridge did not know what to expect. No incidents were reported during the protest march, which involved more than 10,000 people.

Protesters came from different countries but most of them came from the Latin America. They brought their whole families and kids even sat on their fathers` shoulders holding flags from their countries and the American flag.

"Legalisacion" they shouted as they marched across the bridge waving their flags. Thousands came and the sea of different flags was amazing. "We love America" was written on some signs.

However, emotions ran high when people shouted, "We are not criminals. We just want to work." Faces turned angry and voices grew louder as the crowd tried to push its way forward.

Some of the signs were provocative. "Down with racism" or "Send us back and see what happens" impressed bystanders. It was the flip side of the coin some Americans have so far refused to address.

Rocio Marquez, now an American citizen, was supportive of the demonstration.

"I am American but I came here to show my support," he said. "I do what I can to help."

As more and more people crossed the bridge, Marquez's wife said, "The immigration law needs a change.

"But people come here to have a better life and they are working hard, really hard," she added as she held up a banner, "Working is not criminal." "I think they should be able to stay and become citizens."

Young Bronx residents, Omawali and Rodstarz, were also protesting the proposed law.

"It`s a modern day witch-hunt," Rodstarz said.

"Keep borders safer," Omawali added. "That is just anti-immigrant."

"Reasons should be looked at why people leave their home countries," Rodstarz said.

The real reasons for changing the law are more sinister, he said.

"15,000,000 people become felons - that means even more people in prison plus more prisons have to be built," he said. "And (the government) has the labor for free."

His friends nodded in agreement.

"It`s a business, "Omawali said.

"This country exploits," his friend agreed as he watched more people screaming, "We are no criminals." "The US is exploiting the potential start of a movement in other countries."

"That`s why we are here," Omawali said. "People need to be educated."