Group to hold immigrant rights
press conference

By Jason Bennert, Bay City News Service

April 9, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) - The Bay Area Immigrant Rights Coalition will hold a press conference Monday to discuss its opposition to recently proposed immigration legislation.

Monday's press conference, which coincides with the 2006 National Day of Action, is expected to draw more than 500 immigrants and participants from various countries, coalition spokesman Luis Herrera said today.

The coalition opposes HR 4437, which would make it a federal crime to be an undocumented immigrant in the U.S. or to help an illegal immigrant.

If HR4437 becomes law, more than three million immigrants would be forced out of the country, according to the coalition.

"We demand that our contribution to the economy be recognized and rewarded with the same rights as everyone else," the coalition said in a statement.

According to Herrera, if more than 1,000 people show up to Monday's press conference the group will march to the San Francisco Federal Building.

Herrera said the coalition will also announce other upcoming immigrant rights protests and strikes.

The press conference will be held at the intersection of 24th and Mission Streets in San Francisco at 11 a.m.

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