Hundreds stage immigration rally at Oregon Capitol

SALEM, Ore. (AP) – On the heels of nationwide protests, hundreds of people gathered at the Oregon State Capitol in support of immigration and immigration rights.

The Statesman Journal reports (http://stjr.nl/2kEumLT ) that Sunday’s forecast of downpours didn’t deter the crowd. Event organizers estimated more than 1,000 people attended.

Winds whipped the signs of protesters crowded on the Capitol Mall as Yesica Navarro spoke about growing up as an immigrant.

Her family came to the U.S. when she was a child, looking for a better life. Learning a new culture and language was difficult for many others like her.

Navarro told the crowd that against all odds, they persisted. She says they love this country and want to be accepted.

The event, part of the Immigrants’ March Presidents Day 2017, was a grassroots effort.