April 15: Mass Student March for Immigrant Rights
Amnesty! Full Rights for Immigrants! Down with HR 4437!
Saturday, April 15

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On Saturday April 15, nearly 5,000 people marched through downtown LA in a "Mass Student March for Immigrant Rights." The lively protest began at Olympic and Broadway and marched to the steps of LA's City Hall where there was a rally with speakers and musicians. It was organized and led by students from high school, middle school, universities, community colleges and more. The main demands of the protest rang out loud and clear while the protestors marched: "Qué queremos? Amnistía!" and "Los inmigrantes, somos importantes!" Shoppers, passersby and workers in the buildings above cheered in support of the protest as the march proceeded up Broadway.

Youth & Student A.N.S.W.E.R., a member of the organizing coalition United Students Coalition/Coalición Estudiantes Unidos, had a strong and spirited contingent in the march, leading militant chants and holding banners and pro-immigrant signs. At the rally, various youth organizers spoke, many raising the importance of building a united youth and student movement for immigrant rights. Youth & Student A.N.S.W.E.R. coordinator, Carlos Alvarez, was among the speakers. Alvarez spoke in support of the rising movement for immigrant rights and connected the struggle to the fight against war, racism, sexism and homophobia. He publicly pushed for participation in the May 1 National Boycott for Immigrant Rights and explained why immigrants and supporters must demand amnesty for all immigrants and nothing less.

The April 15 student protest was dedicated to the memory of Anthony Soltero, a 14-year-old 8th grader who committed suicide after being threatened with 3 years imprisonment by an administrator at his middle school for leading pro-immigrant walkouts. Family members, friends and supporters marched in the protest, carrying signs with photos of Anthony that read "Continue the Struggle in Anthony's Name."