Immigration Reformers Rally in Norristown on Saturday

A melting pot of voices lifted from the hundreds who gathered today in Norristown to call for immigration reform on the national level.

Crowds gathered at the county-owned parking lot at DeKalb and Marshall streets to hear organizers, local politicians and those affected by current immigration standards speak. The speeches were followed by a march through the streets of Norristown ending at Norristown Municipal Hall, where more speakers energized the crowd and called for reforms.

The rally was organized by 32BJ Service Employees International Union (SIEU), a multi-state property service workers union with many members living in Norristown.

Several Norristown Municipal Council members attended the rally – Mimi DeSouza, Marlon Millner, Linda Christian, Council President Gary Simpson and Dwayne Royster, who resigned his council seat affective Friday. State Rep. Matt Bradford (D-Montgomery) also attended the rally, as did Norristown's Interim Police Chief Willie Richet. Those who spoke expressed support for immigration reform and for the Norristown residents the issue affects.

The speakers represented a diverse array of backgrounds, reminding those in attendance that the issue goes beyond the Latino community that it is so often associated with.

"Like many of you, I come from a family of immigrants," DeSouza told the crowd. "My grandparents came to the U.S. not speaking any English and they had to work four paying jobs to feed their families, buy their homes and raise their children."

DeSouza noted that Norristown was a gathering point for immigrants as early as the turn of the century and that tradition continues today.

"Now is the time when comprehensive immigration reform is needed to help those who want to  make a better life in the U.S., and Norristown, once again, is a place where we all can find our dreams."

She urged Norristown residents who were undocumented to strive to achieve citizenship and participate in the democratic process for everyone's benefit.

Royster struck a more spiritual note with his words.

"I am reminded from the sacred texts of my tradition that there are numerous times when the people of faith... were called to go into other countries unannounced," he said. "If it wasn't for those that treated them well they might not have survived. The imaginary borders that we create by countries should not be a barrier to human rights in this world."

Speakers from 32BJ SEIU who had immigrated from countries like Trinidad and Albania with far better outcomes than most also spoke on behalf of immigration reform, noting that most immigrants aren't as lucky.

[See highlights from the speakers in our Video section]

Simpson made a point of highlighting how the issue affects Norristown locally and how he and the rest of council hope to move forward with community groups pushing for reform. 

"It's very important that we all understand where each other stands at," said Simpson. "We want to continue to work with those who actually reside in Norristown. My concern is what happens here in this municipality. We want to be part of this growth and this movement."

Millner, who gave his speech first in Spanish before switching to English, reminded everyone how important immigrants are in the history of our nation.

"We are a nation of immigrants," he said. "We are a nation of people who have struggled and fought for the rights of more and more people to be acknowledged. I stand with you today in your quest for freedom, for equality and to be acknowledged."

"I have consistently worked with the immigrant community in Norristown," he continued. "I have respected them. They're business owners. They're clergy. They're artists. They're educators, They're civic leaders. They are, you are, a part of this community. Let's see the needed reforms happen and happen now."