Today,
immigrant advocacy groups and legislators from across the state rallied on the
Capitol steps to fight for “critical immigrant services” such as the
restoration of funding for English language classes, rent regulation and the
improvement of health care for the uninsured.

“Immigrant
power!” and “Sí, se puede!” were some of the chants echoing throughout the
underground concourse of the Empire
State Plaza
and outside the Capitol building. Groups present at the rally include the New
York Immigration Coalition, the Young
Korean American
Service Education
Center, the Long Island
Immigrant Alliance, Make the Road New
York and Haitian
Americans United for Progress.

After the
rally, participants are set to meet with Gov. David A. Paterson and local
legislators to further discuss “immigrants’ role in helping lift New York out of
recession and how government must support those efforts.”

“We are
here today to simply send one message: We are all New Yorkers and all New
Yorkers are immigrants,” said Assemblywoman Grace Meng, D-Queens. “No matter
what side of the aisle you are on, immigration is often a very controversial
subject in our country. But what is wrong with becoming citizens? What is wrong
with learning English and getting jobs and providing for the future?”