Cesar Chavez Rally Held In Santa Maria Focusing On Immigration Reform
By Brittany Silverstein
SANTA MARIA, Calif. – A rally was held in Santa Maria Thursday night to celebrate Cesar Chavez, as well as raise awareness for the controversial issue of immigration reform.
Dozens of demonstrators gathered on the corner of Main Street and Broadway Street, with signs encouraging change for immigration.
The issue hits close to home for many, especially as Easter comes near. Nelsey Bork says her husband came to the country illegally and was deported back to Mexico, forcing her to spend yet another holiday alone.
"It’s a broken immigration system, the way it is now," said Bork. "It puts a lot of husbands without wives, wives without husbands, kids without parents. It’s really sad."
The event was put on by PUEBLO (People United For Economic Justice Building Leadership Through Organizing) and the Central Coast Immigration Taskforce.
Event organizers say it’s especially important to remember Cesar Chavez and his contributions toward civil rights on the Central Coast.
"We’re an agricultural community," said Hazel Chutney, an organizer for PUEBLO. "Our community survives on farmworkers.
Chutney says she has high hopes for immigration reform, after hearing about what’s happening in the nation’s capitol.
"There’s definitely momentum. We’re hoping to see some sort of bill very soon, but only if we fight will we get it."