Hundreds gathered in the area on the south Capitol steps Saturday holding signs, smiling, laughing and celebrating.
It wasn’t a scene of protest or defiance. Rather, it was a rally with a purpose: “I wanted to show that I’m Hispanic and love my state and country,” said Luis Hidalgo, 20.
Hidalgo, an immigrant from Nicaragua, said he was there to spread a message that Latino values are Oklahoma values.
“We’re conservative, religious, good people who want to contribute to our communities,” he said.
Signs saying, “We Love Oklahoma,” and “Justice and Dignity for All Immigrants,” were held high at the rally. The color was punctuated by Hispanic and American music and U.S. flags.
Ed Romo, vice president of The Oklahoma City chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, said he is against illegal immigration. He wants the federal government to take action and acknowledge that the economy relies on a Latino labor force.
“Amnesty is something for nothing, but the status quo is not maintainable,” he said. Romo fears legislation at the state level might be punitive and negatively affect Oklahoma’s economy.
Giovanni Perry, former chairwoman of the disbanded Governor’s Council of Latin American and Hispanic Affairs, said the rally was a success.
“It brought the community together,” she said. “Hopefully we spread the message that we have a culture that is a part of and (is) contributing to Oklahoma and America.”
Source: http://newsok.com
It wasn’t a scene of protest or defiance. Rather, it was a rally with a purpose: “I wanted to show that I’m Hispanic and love my state and country,” said Luis Hidalgo, 20.
Hidalgo, an immigrant from Nicaragua, said he was there to spread a message that Latino values are Oklahoma values.
“We’re conservative, religious, good people who want to contribute to our communities,” he said.
Signs saying, “We Love Oklahoma,” and “Justice and Dignity for All Immigrants,” were held high at the rally. The color was punctuated by Hispanic and American music and U.S. flags.
Ed Romo, vice president of The Oklahoma City chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens, said he is against illegal immigration. He wants the federal government to take action and acknowledge that the economy relies on a Latino labor force.
“Amnesty is something for nothing, but the status quo is not maintainable,” he said. Romo fears legislation at the state level might be punitive and negatively affect Oklahoma’s economy.
Giovanni Perry, former chairwoman of the disbanded Governor’s Council of Latin American and Hispanic Affairs, said the rally was a success.
“It brought the community together,” she said. “Hopefully we spread the message that we have a culture that is a part of and (is) contributing to Oklahoma and America.”
Source: http://newsok.com
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