Immigration Reform March in Fresno

Hundreds sang and danced with a sense of urgency to gain the freedom and privilege that comes with living in the United States.

“My message to the legislators is that they need to keep families together,” said Socorro Santillan.

Socorro Santillan walked with her kids...all U.S-born.

She emigrated from Mexico at three years old, but her parents were forced to leave the country. 

 “Unfortunately when I was young my parents were deported to Mexico and it was a very painful experience and we never want anything to go through that again,” said Santillan. 

The senate is debating a bill that would legalize most of the 11 million immigrants. 

“Give them what we need, these people are not going anywhere. With the crises in other countries...they came here for a reason. They risked their lives, left their families...some of them have not gone home to bury their dead. They're here to stay ok,” said Immigration Reform Advocate Rocio Madrigal. 

Immigration reform advocates have used May Day to get the message out since 2006.

Back then thousands more converged onto Downtown Fresno, with the same call to action.

Santillan's dad passed away but her mom was able to cut through the red tape, and make it to America.

Her grandchildren marched for the first time.

“I think it means that they shouldn't take people away from their family,” said Bianca Santillan. 

President Obama has made immigration reform one of his top priorities this year.