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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend April 8, 2006 South Medford High School freshman Bianca Carrasco, right, voices her opinion Friday during a demonstration in Medford�s Alba Park in opposition to a proposed crackdown on illegal immigrants. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell ‘We are here to work’: students march to support illegal immigrants By PARIS ACHEN Mail Tribune About 35 students from local high schools marched at Alba Park in downtown Medford early Friday to oppose a Republican-fashioned House bill that would criminalize illegal immigrants and those who assist them. The students, largely from South Medford and Phoenix high schools, stood on Eighth Street holding signs with slogans highlighting immigrants’ contributions to the United States. "We could die in Iraq, but our parents can’t get a driver’s license," one sign read. Other students lay in the grass and formed the words "Not Criminals" with their bodies. Inspired by protests in major cities, including Los Angeles, seven Latino students from Phoenix High School organized the march. Friday was a staff in-service day in which classes were not held at the schools. Advertisement "We are not here to be criminals," said Jessica Gomez, a freshman at Phoenix High School. "We are here to work (and) make life better for people." Mari Cruz, a freshman at Phoenix High School, said students chose to hold the protest on a day when school was not session to emphasize the importance of education. "A lot of students walked out (of classes) in California, and we didn’t think that was right because we value education," Cruz said. Some drivers honked their horns as they passed the demonstration. One man, who said he was a disabled veteran, stood on the sidewalk and heckled the protesters. "I didn’t put my life on the line so you could break the law," the man shouted. He declined to give his name. Adan Rodriguez, a senior from South Medford High School, said Latino immigrants are a critical part of the U.S. economy and should have more opportunity to enter the country legally. "Many Mexicans come here for better jobs and a better life," Rodriguez said. "My grandma, my sister, uncles and aunts are in Mexico and want to come here." The demonstration came on the same day that the U.S. Senate voted to close debate on two immigration bills offered as compromises to the Republican-crafted legislation. One Senate proposal would allow most of the estimated 11 million to 12 million illegal immigrants in the United States to earn citizenship. The House bill would tighten border security and make it illegal to employ or assist illegal immigrants in any way. Reach reporter Paris Achen at 776-4459 or e-mail �We are here to work�: students march to support illegal immigrants ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Absinthe Supply Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Debt Consolidation California Casinos GMAT Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Hammocks Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada King of Spirits Email Security Advertisement s Advertisement