The protest was part of a series of actions that have taken place in California to defend the rights of immigrants. The demands include the right to a driver’s license, the right to a Social Security number, the right to legal residence for all workers, and a halt to police brutality and unjust imprisonment.

The protests are in response to a decision by the Department of Motor Vehicles last October to begin verifying the validity of all Social Security numbers through a linkup with the Social Security Administration as part of obtaining or renewing a driver’s license.

Miguel Benevidas, who works as a gardener, said, "This system beats down workers. I didn’t imagine the conditions that workers face here. The bosses and the government treat people in a humiliating way. If the United States gives you $1, it’s because they will take two."

A paint shop worker, who makes $6.50 an hour, said, "They deny us everything. If we don’t have a license, we can’t rent a house or go to school. If we pay taxes, why are we illegal? If the police stop me they can take my car and not return it. Friends of mine were stopped by cops and their car taken and they were left on the freeway. The police treat us real bad."

A 23-year-old man who works as a machinist and is a college student said this was his first march. "The police also stop suspected people and violate their rights. If your car is taken you need to pay $1,000 plus more in fines. This country that always criticizes human rights--well, this is a human right," he said.

José Sandoval, one of the central organizers of the action, introduced a number of speakers, including Roger Rivera of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 438. Rivera announced another rally being organized for August 25. Organizing meetings for the demonstration take place at the UFCW Local 438 union hall.

Deborah Liatos is a member of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 120.  
 
 
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