San Francisco Boycott
On May 1st, 2006, thousands marched through San Francisco to protest recent anti-immigration legislation. The protest was teamed with a boycott of work, school, and spending to demonstrate the impact immigrants and their supporters have on the nation's economy. Youth Radio's Genysys Sanchez was at the protest to document the day and share her impressions in this video.

From the Capitol
On May 1st, students from the Latin American Youth Center in Washington, DC attended the protest for "Un Dia Sin Inmigrante: A Day Without an Immigrant" at the US Capitol. Thousands of demonstrators gathered at this historic protest site to raise their voice in favor, and against, immigration policy. Watch as these youth reporters interview protestors at the scene.

Facing Similar Issues
Sebastian Johnson is a 17-year-old student school board member at Montgomery Blair High in Washington, DC. He was asked to help organize students for the national immigrant rights action on April 10, and ended up speaking at the rally on the Capitol Mall, and on Fox News. Listen in as Sebastian shares his thoughts on the immigration policy.

United We Stand
The predominant symbol at the marches around the country in support of immigrant rights was the American flag. Some people wrapped themselves in the Mexican flag, the Salvadoran flag, or the Honduran flag, but carried the American flag down the streets. Youth Radio’s Antony Jaureguí and Clare Robbins spoke with 20-year-old Mayra Garcia, who was on the streets of downtown Los Angeles with her family. Tune in as Mayra talks about the meaning of the protest and the symbolic message behind the U.S. flag.

From the Field
On Monday, May 1st, thousands of people across the country participated in a national day of boycotts, "Day Without an Immigrant." Young and old alike, were out to show their support for, and against, immigrants. Youth Radio covered this historical moment in US History from the East to the West. We share with you these photos from our reporters in the field-- documenting the opinions of the masses in attendance.
» View the photo slideshow and read comments from youth across the country.

The Communities of Los Angeles
Virginia Diego, who studies biology and Chicano Studies at CAL State Northridge, was one of many university students who attended the May 1rst protests against HR 4437 in Los Angeles. Like thousands of other students in higher education across the country, Virginia is an immigrant. She was born in a small indigenous Zapotec village in Oaxaca, Mexico. Youth Radio’s Maria Cruz caught up with Virginia at the protests, and spoke to her about issues of unity in the Latino community and how it felt to be on the frontlines of the protest.

To Walk Out, Or Not?
On May 1, students from all over the country debated over whether they should walk out from school in support of, or in opposition to, immigrant rights. Although many youth in middle schools, high schools, and colleges left their classes to attend demonstrations, some students decided walking out was not the most effective way to protest immigration issues. Listen to one young man from UC Berkeley explain why he chose to stay in school.

From East to West
"A Day Without and Immigrant" is a historical day in the United States' history of activism around immigration rights. East Coast to West Coast...thousands of people took to the streets all over the country to protest against, and for, HR4437. Listen to sounds gathered by Youth Radio reporters covering the immigration protests in cities like Atlanta and Los Angeles.

Fighting for the America Dream
Angel Vera Velasquez is an immigrant from Mexico who joined the thousands of people on the streets to protest US immigration policy. He came to this country to obtain the American dream and provide a better future for his family. He hopes that after these marches, congress will legalize all immigrants in this country.

May 1st Protest in LA
Check out the photos from the Los Angeles protest, where thousands of people marched to City Hall demanding that Congress legalize undocumented immigrants and denouncing the proposed legistlation HR 4437, a bill that would make illegal immigration an aggravated felony.
» View the photo slideshow

An "Illegal" Perspective
Youth Radio's Antony Jauregui interviewed Jaime Torres, an illegal immigrant who attended one of the many May 1 protests that occurred across the country, as people gathered in front of the Los Angeles city hall. Jaime supports the protests because as an undocumented person in this country, he is not eligble for government funding to pay for his education. Listen to the interview in Spanish.

"American Law says Deport"
Youth Radio’s Alix Black interviewed one Atlantan who thinks it’s important to uphold existing laws when it comes to immigrant rights. He showed up in downtown Atlanta as a counter protester because he wanted to, "stand behind the laws that govern everybody that wants to be a citizen or is a citizen within the lawful grounds...otherwise we have a lawless country."

"Don't Cross the Line"
Youth Radio's Brandon McFarland talked to protestors on the UC Berkeley campus, where students formed a picket line and tried to convince their peers not to attend classes in support of what's being called a "Day Without An Immigrant" boycott. Brandon spoke with Lariza Singleton, 21, who's grandmother traveled to the US through the hills of Mexico near Tijuana.

Reactions from Atlanta
In downtown Atlanta, Youth Radio’s Alix Black spent some time with Jose Choxon and Jaime Mota who say the outcome of the debate in Congress will impact their friends and families. Listen to the two young men explain why they don't support HR4437 and why they showed up to protest.

Protesting the Protest
Youth Radio’s Alix Black reports from Atlanta where some residents left work to make a statement against illegal immigrants. She spoke to a protester who took the day off work today to protest against the protest. He believes there are two sides to the story, and people should come to America the legal way.

A Student View From DC
So what’s it like to be a student on a day of national protests? Here’s one perspective sent from Youth Radio DC… Magdalena Balderas is a high school student in Washington, DC and she went to school today-- but only because she has an AP exam to take. She says some of her friends think she’s crazy for participating in rallies for immigrant rights. But according to Magdalena, who plans on leaving school after her exam, “you never know, you’ve got to give the fight and hope for the best.”

Nationwide Demonstrations
On Monday, May 1, thousands of immigrants across the country will participate in a worker strike and consumer boycott to continue the ongoing protest against HR4437 and to raise awareness of the contributions of immigrants to this country. The four key points of unity for Monday, also known as A Day Without an Immigrant, are: “No work. No school. No sales. No buying.”
» Online Exclusive: View an events list for the major metropolitian areas of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, DC and Atlanta.

Price for Protest
Young people have been playing a major role in the recent activism around immigrant rights. Los Angeles saw record numbers of protesters marching against House bill 4437 in March. L.A. was also the first city where masses of students organized walkouts from school. This Monday, May 1st, another large protest is expected across the country. Various student and immigrant rights groups are organizing boycotts of work and school. The movement is dubbed “A Day Without an Immigrant.” Youth Radio’s Jennifer Obakhume says students are suffering the consequences of having spoken out last time. Some are now facing punishments of detention and worse... (April 28 on NPR's Day to Day)

Homage to Day Laborers
On Monday, May 1, organizations like Immigrant Solidarity Network are calling for: "No Work. No School. No Sales. No Buying." to protest the anti-immigrant bill, HR4437. The demonstrations across the country are anticipated to create a ripple effect that will speak volumes to the contributions and importance of immigrants to this country. In light of these events, we share with you this poem by Youth Radio's Mario Yedidia that honors day laborers for their hard work and sacrifices in trying to provide for their families.

Protest in Los Angeles
On April 15, 2006, an estimated five thousand protestors marched toward City Hall in downtown Los Angeles. The march was dedicated to 14 year-old Anthony Soltero of Ontario, CA, who committed suicide after his Vice Principal told him he would go to jail for walking out of school to attend a protest in March. This march was billed as a student protest against HR4437 and US immigration policy, but all ages were present to show their support for Anthony and the many immigrants affected by this bill.
» View the photo slideshow of the protest in L.A.

Protest in SF
Recent immigration reform has sparked a wave of mass protests, many with young people at the forefront. Against the backdrop of San Francisco’s Mission District, Youth Radio’s Genysys Sanchez shares this video of her experience of a San Francisco protest and why this “movement” is important to her.

Cruzando La Frontera
The recent high school protests in Los Angeles highlighted the fact that many young people are directly affected by the latest immigration debates. There are millions of young illegal immigrants living in the US, and they all have a story to tell. Maria is a student and a correspondent for Youth Radio in Los Angeles. Ten years ago, she came here, like so many, from Mexico. This is her story, in a poem.

Shouting For Justice
Youth Radio's Genysys Sanchez reflects on the recent protests against HR 4437 in San Francisco, and shares how inspired she is to seeing people coming together in support of immigrant rights. "It's not just illegal immigrants waving flags and shouting for justice ... and it's not just Latinos."

From El Salvador to America
After crossing the US-Mexico border without documentation at the age of 7, Denise Tejada reflects on her experience entering the US. In an interview with her older brother Wilmer, the siblings discuss the new legislation on tightening immigration laws, getting back on your feet in a new country, and how the mainstream scapegoats immigrant communities.

HR 4437 Consequences
Youth Radio reporter Gaby Arvizu interviews her friend Diana to discuss the effects of the new immigration bill, HR 4437, which proposes strengthened enforcement of immigration laws and border security. Diana sheds light on how this bill would create a rift in her family by increasing the possibility of deportation for her undocumented parents and older brother.

Immigration Kids
1981
A baby boy was born in tiny Caribbean town in Belize called Dangriga.
He spent the first three years of his life playing hide and seek in the neighborhood cemetery. Like many other immigration kids, he had no idea what was about to happen

Deported to Tijuana
23 year-old Jorge Nunez was born in Tijuana, Mexico, but has spent his entire life in Los Angeles. Like thousands of young people who were born in other countries and have grown up here without becoming U.S. citizens, Jorge got caught up in the criminal justice system. His best choice for getting out of it was to cop a plea and agree to be deported back home- without a hearing. His story begins on his last day in California.

Crossing the Border
Yes I’m proud to say I’m an immigrant
I’m not gonna let people bring me down with words
If crossing the border didn’t stop me,
What makes you think your words
Are gonna stop me now?!