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Nishi Gupta ReportingPeople on both sides of the immigration issue are gearing up for demonstrations planned in downtown Salt Lake tomorrow.
"They're starting to realize they need to get out, turn off American Idol, put down the remote and forget who's on first, and come out and stand up for their flag and country."
This afternoon groups representing both sides held meetings. They're not sure what to expect tomorrow, but they want to be ready for anything.
It starts here at the City County building-- two groups, two marches.
The Utah Minuteman Project and the group led by Hispanic Leaders will rally here, then march up State Street to the Capitol and come back.
Perhaps the most important topic today was reminding people that they may disagree on the issue, but they can still be civil.
Rosalva Dominguez, 23, and Nellie Morgan, 75, have something in common.
Rosalva Dominguez: "I have parents who came from Mexico."
Nellie Morgan: "My parents came from Germany."
Both are first-generation Americans, yet different in their attitudes about immigration. Tomorrow Rosalva will march with the Latino group and Nellie with the Minuteman Project.
Rosalva Dominguez: "I wouldn't have been a product of the American dream."
Nellie Morgan: "We just can't have this invasion."
Rosalva says her parents wanted better lives for their future family. She understands when other immigrants want that, too.
Rosalva Dominguez/ Latino Community: "I think it's important for anybody who's Mexican American to march and support other people who are in those struggles."
Nellie says her parents went through a rigorous immigration process. She would like to see similar standards applied now.
Nellie Morgan/ Utah Minuteman Project: "They had to be examined. They had to have a health exam, had to have sponsors here. That's what I feel is necessary."
These ideas, a topic of discussion throughout the country, will be demonstrated in downtown Salt Lake.
Two peaceful rallies and marches tomorrow-- one sponsored by the Utah Minuteman Project, another led by Utah Hispanic leaders. Turnout is expected to be in the thousands.
With such a contentious issue involving race and loyalty to a country, both sides have organized their own security in case there are problems.
"Go back to your country! Hey, get out of here!"
Hispanic leaders held a mock confrontation.
"The best thing to do is say nothing, keep walking."
The Utah Minuteman project distributed a handout, asking participants to "display the utmost responsible and courteous behaviors."
Leaders of both sides are very serious about keeping the demonstration safe. They've even talked to each other about it today.
Here are the times of the rallies and marches tomorrow.
The Utah Minuteman Project will rally at the City & County Building beginning at 11 am.
The Hispanic Group will hold it's rally at 1:30.
Then, both groups plan to march to the state Capitol, up State Street. The Hispanic group will march at 2:30; the Minuteman group plans to follow. Both groups will then return to the City and County Building.
If you're driving in the downtown area during these times, you may encounter some congestion.
