An estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants live in the United States. On Sunday, immigration advocates rallied at Jastro Park, calling on Congress, along with Congressman Kevin McCarthy, to help change our current immigration policy.
"We're American already, but in order to make it official, we need that pathway to citizenship." Behind a police escort, hundreds of immigration advocates marched down 18th Street, pushing for a new immigration policy.
"It means tremendous opportunity for us to convey our message that we want reform for the citizens of Bakersfield," says Mayor Harvey Hall. The mayor, along with the United Farm Workers -- marched for more than two miles, hoping for change.
Changing the current immigration policy, would allow an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States, to become legal citizens. "I came to this country when I was four years old, I graduated from junior high here, high school, I recently finished my BA at CSU Bakersfield. I have contributed to this community in many ways," says Paola Fernandez, immigration advocate.
Fernandez is using her story to help the country move in a different direction, she feels, is for the better. "We're not criminals, we're here trying to make a better life, have a better future, we deserve immigration reform," says Daniel Jimenez, undocumented student.
Jimenez says immigration reform will give him and his family more opportunities. "Our greatest asset is our educated youth and we've been wasting it," says CSUB professor Gonzalo Santos.
During the event, immigration advocates also celebrated the legacy and birthday of Caesar Chavez. The iconic labor activist fought for higher wages and better working conditions for migrant farm workers across the nation and right here in Kern County. "It's been 20 years since he's passed away and during those 20 years we've been fortunate that he's been remembered and his memory has been celebrated across the country," says Paul Chavez, son of Caesar Chavez.
He says this massive fight for immigration reform, is the best way to honor his father's legacy.
The last immigration march in Bakersfield was in 2006. Organizers say an estimated 15,000 people attended that march.
"We're American already, but in order to make it official, we need that pathway to citizenship." Behind a police escort, hundreds of immigration advocates marched down 18th Street, pushing for a new immigration policy.
"It means tremendous opportunity for us to convey our message that we want reform for the citizens of Bakersfield," says Mayor Harvey Hall. The mayor, along with the United Farm Workers -- marched for more than two miles, hoping for change.
Changing the current immigration policy, would allow an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States, to become legal citizens. "I came to this country when I was four years old, I graduated from junior high here, high school, I recently finished my BA at CSU Bakersfield. I have contributed to this community in many ways," says Paola Fernandez, immigration advocate.
Fernandez is using her story to help the country move in a different direction, she feels, is for the better. "We're not criminals, we're here trying to make a better life, have a better future, we deserve immigration reform," says Daniel Jimenez, undocumented student.
Jimenez says immigration reform will give him and his family more opportunities. "Our greatest asset is our educated youth and we've been wasting it," says CSUB professor Gonzalo Santos.
During the event, immigration advocates also celebrated the legacy and birthday of Caesar Chavez. The iconic labor activist fought for higher wages and better working conditions for migrant farm workers across the nation and right here in Kern County. "It's been 20 years since he's passed away and during those 20 years we've been fortunate that he's been remembered and his memory has been celebrated across the country," says Paul Chavez, son of Caesar Chavez.
He says this massive fight for immigration reform, is the best way to honor his father's legacy.
The last immigration march in Bakersfield was in 2006. Organizers say an estimated 15,000 people attended that march.