Thousands rally for immigration reform

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Thousands of people rallied outside a federal building Saturday in support of swift congressional action on immigration reform.

Demonstrators cheered when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., told them they're committed to making immigration reform a top priority.

Reid said legislation would include border security and a guest worker program for seasonal workers. Activists also want it to include a pathway to citizenship for millions of illegal immigrants.

"For those that are undocumented, we're going to make some rules," Reid said. "We're going to make sure there will be a penalty or a fine, people will have to work, pay taxes and stay out of trouble and learn English. Not so bad, is it?"

People held signs with slogans such as "Stop Tearing Our Families Apart," "Reform Now" and "Workers, Taxpayers, Voters." They also chanted U-S-A and waved American flags. Police estimated the crowd at roughly 3,500 people.

The rally outside the federal building was sponsored by a coalition that includes the non-partisan Reform Immigration for America Campaign, labor groups and faith-based organizations.

Shu Ohno of the Reform Immigration for America Campaign said most demonstrators were Latino. The vast majority were from Nevada, but others came from surrounding states, he said.

Demonstrators also cheered for Rep. Luis Gutierrez, D-Ill., who has introduced immigration reform legislation that includes the path to legal status for millions of illegal immigrants.

"We're looking forward to the bill being introduced in the Senate and to Sen. Reid to help push it through the Senate," Ohno said. "We believe immigration reform is a necessary component of economic recovery."

Lawmakers failed to agree in 2006 and 2007 when they last tried to overhaul the immigration system.

The three-hour rally was peaceful except for four National Socialist Movement activists who confronted demonstrators near the courthouse. Police monitored the situation and made no arrests.

Similar rallies were held Saturday in Seattle, Chicago and El Paso, Texas.

Last month, tens of thousands of demonstrators rallied and marched through the streets of Washington in an effort to prod congressional action on immigration reform.