New Haven joins in on immigration rally

New Haven, Conn. (AP) - Thousands gathered for "March for America" -- a rally to demand immigration reform and economic justice for all Americans. New Haven Mayor John Destefano and hundreds of New Haven residents left the state before dawn to join the demonstrators.

Julio Hernadez, of New Haven, said this is so important that he brought his son. And, Airess Johnson, of New Haven brought her niece.

"Cause this is children. It starts with the kid. If we could teach them things early, it'll be better for them; this is their future," said Johnson.

"I have a friend. She's Mexican. And [I] think it's important to be able to march for her," said Keyondra Gay of New Haven.

"March for America" organizers say they aim to create better wages, working conditions, and labor protections both for native-born Americans and immigrants alike.

Among the energized demonstrators leaving the city this morning was Mayor DeStefano.

"It's time to do something about immigration," said Mayor DeStefano. "The time is now."

New Haven made national headlines three years ago in this immigration debate with those city ID cards issuing to more than 11,000 residents regardless of their immigration status.

Critics stateside say New Haven ID cards promote illegal immigration at the expense of taxpayers; critics of Sunday's March for America call it a push for National Amnesty for illegal immigrants.

"We all are aliens on this earth as it is; everybody deserves to work together as one," said Pam Allen of New Haven.