California activists walk 285 miles to show support for immigration reform
By Paul Harris, NBCLatino
A long walk for social and political change is finally over, for now.
“I am exhausted,” said Estefany Mendez. “I have never done anything like this and it was definitely hard to keep pressing forward. However, thinking of all the people that are dying daily crossing the desert and not having a nurse to take care of them was what kept me going. “
Mendez was one of 11 walkers who left Sacramento on foot more than two weeks ago. Four more walkers joined along the way in the 285 mile trek that culminated Sunday at Republican Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s office in Bakersfield. Now that the walk is over, the fight for immigration reform continues Monday with an afternoon town hall meeting at the Fox Theater in downtown Bakersfield.
“Kevin McCarthy is a very important congressman,” said Dr. Gonzalo Santos, a participant. “He holds the number three position in the House of Representatives, which up to now, has been playing a tremendous obstructionist role.” MCarthy is currently the House Majority Whip.
Activists built an altar and donated their shoes as a symbolic gesture.
They want immigration reform that is inclusive regardless of age.
The current incarnation of the proposed Federal Dream Act would only offer a pathway to citizenship for immigrants who were in the U.S. before the age of 15.
“So we really need to make sure parents and the original dreamers, as we usually call them, get their chance to fulfil their dreams and they don’t get left behind,” said Lorena Lara, participant.
Many Non-Latinos from across California came in support of Sunday’s rally and brought their children, ”…because I think this is important for them to see,” said Natalie Timpson, who attended the rally. “They were born here so they automatically have the privilege that I have, having been born here.”
This article was first published in NBCLatino.
[Screenshot courtesy NBCLatino]