Rock Stars Embrace Immigrants

Rock Stars Embrace Immigrants
Thousands march through downtown Chicago for International Workers Day. (WBEZ/Chip Mitchell)
Rock Stars Embrace Immigrants
Thousands march through downtown Chicago for International Workers Day. (WBEZ/Chip Mitchell)

Rock Stars Embrace Immigrants

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Immigrant rights supporters protested in more than a dozen U.S. cities yesterday to mark International Workers Day. In Chicago, those supporters included rock stars and Mayor Richard Daley.

Web Extra: ‘This Land Is Your Land’

The turnout was just a fraction of what it’s been in previous years. But spirits were high as marchers filled Federal Plaza in downtown Chicago.

Speakers called for legalization of the nation’s estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants. Tom Morello of the band Rage Against the Machine added song.

MORELLO: Tell ‘em! This land is your land. This land is my land…

And Mayor Daley lent political weight.

DALEY: This city of Chicago was founded by immigrants in the past, in the present and future. We welcome immigrants into the city of Chicago.

Many activists say they’re focusing on voter registration so immigrants can have a greater impact in November.