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Immigration Activists Ready For 'Day Of Action'

Immigration activists are expected to take to the streets of El Paso on Tuesday, protesting for reform.

The International Day of Action is expected to play out much like last year all across the country -- including locally.

In Los Angeles, a group of protestors -- many American-born children of undocumented immigrants -- took to the streets on Sunday. Many said they wanted lawmakers to know, when their parents are targeted, they also pay the price.

"Yeah, you call attention, you get everyone's attention, you come out on TV," said Felipe Salcido of Central El Paso. "Everybody as a group -- as a whole -- will be noticed more than an individual."

Nationwide, demonstrations are expected Tuesday from groups wanting immigrant-friendly reforms, a stand against workplace discrimination, and the militarization of the border.

Last year's May 1 protest at the Chamizal National Monument caused downtown El Paso to shut down, as many protestors boycotted American goods. Many El Pasoans agree that change is good.

"Without people immigrating here you don't have a working economy," Salcido said. "It's a full circle."

"The negative aspect is for the business owners," said Steven Martinez, of West El Paso. "If people don't come in to do the job, they're going to lose out. Someone has to come in and do the job."

Although not much has changed since the massive demonstrations last year, President George Bush said he hoped something would change.

He addressed this week's protests during a college commencement in south Florida.

"We need a system where our laws are respected," Bush said. "We need a system that meets the legitimate needs of our economy, and we need a system that treats people with dignity."

In El Paso, protesters will meet at 1 p.m. Tuesday on the corner of Sixth and El Paso streets near the Santa Fe bridge. In Juarez, they'll meet at 10 a.m. at the Juarez monument.

Stay with KFOX for continuing coverage.

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