(ANS - Los Angeles) - On 5 October, several young people of the Salesian Youth Movement marched along the streets of the famous district of Hollywood, Los Angeles, to demand a reform of immigration law to give better protection to immigrants.

According to one of the people taking part in the parade, "Our decision to demand immigration reform began when four young men from the core group of leaders shared the difficulties they experienced as young undocumented Americans when they tried to achieve their dream of higher education".

He went on, "All four were unaware of their condition until they found themselves facing the harsh reality of being undocumented in the United States. Fortunately, with the approval of Deferred Action (a rule which, under certain conditions, allows young illegal immigrants to remain in the country if they study or work - editor’s note), they have some hope of being able to achieve part of that American Dream, and to be recognized in this country which they consider as their own."

"All four spoke with tears in their eyes saying it was not possible for them to visit their families in Mexico for the last 15 or 20 years! Two of them were not able to go to the funeral in Mexico of the grandmother who took care of them when they were small."

For this reason, the young people from the SYM decided to take part in the huge procession that was planned for October 5 through the streets of Los Angeles, calling for a reform of immigration law. And, perhaps because they were in the front row of the parade, or maybe on account of their colorful billboards and communication, they were interviewed by various information networks, and were able to explain their presence with the desire to see families together and able to follow their American Dream.

Published 18/10/2013