Waving American flags and pictures of President Obama, thousands of protesters took to the streets Friday in May Day rallies in Southern California to promote immigration reform.
Marchers said they were encouraged by Obama's support for change and his pledge this week to begin laying the groundwork for legislation that would include a path to legalization for the nation's estimated 12 million illegal immigrants.
"We have a lot of hope," said Ricarda Garcia, an illegal immigrant from Mexico who has attended the marches for several years. But Garcia, 36, a housekeeper, said she also feels a sense of urgency because there is little work for her and her husband, a construction worker. "I feel more necessity now, " she said. "There aren't jobs."
The protests attracted small but jovial crowds who wore T-shirts that said "Legalize America Now" and held signs that said "Obama, Escucha" -- "Obama, Listen." Organizers blamed the relatively low turnout on the swine flu and the reluctance of many to take time off work.
The May Day rallies have taken place for years, with the largest crowds turning out in 2006. This year, organizers with differing priorities held several protests.
An early afternoon march began downtown at Olympic Boulevard and Broadway with the release of 100 white doves and included Aztec dancers and vendors selling bacon-wrapped hot dogs.
Hector Gonzalez, 24, a student at Cal Poly Pomona, said he hoped that the Dream Act, intended to help illegal immigrant high school graduates, would be among the first legislative reforms.
With legal status, Gonzalez said, he could contribute more to the country's ailing economy.
"People like me are here to help Obama," said Gonzalez, who came to the U.S. as a toddler. "I just need a little step forward."
Later in the afternoon, another group of marchers headed from Echo Park down Sunset Boulevard to Olvera Street, where they formed a human "postcard" to Obama with the words: "Workers First."
"It's not just about the rights of immigrants, it's about the workers," said Victor Narro, one of the organizers.
Los Angeles police officers had a strong presence at the marches, which remained peaceful throughout the afternoon. The department drew fierce criticism after the May Day rally two years ago turned violent when police officers used batons and fired rubber bullets to disperse what was a predominantly peaceful gathering.
