Latinos Prepare for Rally

Latinos Prepare for Rally


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Alex Cabrero ReportingLatinos throughout the country and here in Salt Lake are getting ready for a big weekend. This Sunday and Monday Latinos are going to be rallying in downtown Salt Lake. They hope to get the word out; they want equality for all immigrants, legal or illegal.

Latinos are hoping they get enough support to get their case heard and have it become law. Already, some are getting ready for the big weekend.

Paco Torrez probably can't remember the last time he did arts and crafts, but this time it's for more than just good grades.

Paco Torrez, Salt Lake City Resident: "It's equal rights for our people, because they're trying to send back all the illegal immigrants back to Mexico."

Torrez isn't here illegally, but he has many friends who are.

Paco Torrez: "If this law gets passed, then they'll all go back and they're just trying to make it better like I said."

Which is why these signs mean so much. They'll be part of the big rally this weekend, where Latinos will be marching for immigration reform.

Tony Yapias: "They've been waiting for this day of hope, dignity and respect."

Tony Yapias has been a leader in the Salt Lake Latino community for years. He knows this rally is very important, but he's upset some companies don't.

Local company Overstock.com, for example, put out a memo about the rally, saying the attendance policy will still be enforced and employees will be expected to be to work on time and stay their entire shift as normal. Yapias says other companies have made similar statements.

Tony Yapias, Proyecto Latino de Utah: "I would be very disappointed with those companies, using a threat to say we'll fire you because you're supporting your fellow Latinos."

It wouldn't stop Torrez, who says this is more important than any job.

Paco Torrez: "I think everybody should have the chance to become a citizen."

We left messages with Overstock.com about this policy, but the company hasn't returned our calls.

Thousands are expected at Sunday's and Monday's rallies, which are being held in conjunction with rallies in other cities across the country.

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