Dozens of Hispanic residents gathered Thursday at Pearlman Park in Santa Maria to celebrate the life and work of activist Cesar Chavez and protest U.S. immigration policy.

The group waved signs pleading for changes in immigration law that they say has shattered families and separated loved ones. Many motorists responded to their chants with horns honking in support.

Melsy Bork provided an example of how hurtful the current immigration policy can be.

Bork’s husband, Luis Ortiz, came to California illegally and was deported back to Puebla, Mexico. Bork said it can take up to 10 years before his application to return to the United States is granted.

“That’s how broken the system is,” said Bork, who works as a home care provider. “It separates families. Even if we want to go through the system it’s not easy.

Hazel Putney-Davalos, North County Organizer for PUEBLO/CAUSE, a local advocacy group, said legal immigration can take up to 20 years.

“When we talk about the back of the line, you’re talking about 20 years for an unmarried adult,” she said, adding that’s an entire childhood for people who are separated from their families.

“We’re here to celebrate Cesar Chavez. His philosophy was dignity. That’s what we want for our families,” she said.