Read this and pay attention to the bold print. Hello when does an illegal get to vote in this country?

Immigrants, supporters rally in downtown

By Anna Gorman, Times Staff Writer
11:59 AM PDT, March 25, 2007

Hundreds of immigrants and their supporters rallied today at the Los Angeles Sports Arena to push for immigration reform and an end to work site raids and deportations.

"The government has to listen to us," said Raymundo Aguilar, 40, an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. "We aren't just a few, we are millions."

The event, which featured mariachi music and speeches by politicians, marks the one-year anniversary of the massive march in the streets of Los Angeles. It also comes just a week after legislation was proposed that would offer illegal immigrants a pass to citizenship.

Participants carried American flags and waved banners saying "We want immigration reform now." They chanted "Si, se pueda," or "Yes, we can."

Though the mood was hopeful, several said the rally lacked the same energy and numbers as last year's protests. They expressed frustration that immigration reform had still not occurred.

"We marched, we voted, and nothing," said Lida Vidal, 34, who came here illegally 17 years ago from Mexico. "I still don't have papers."

Another group was gathering at La Placita, the historic adobe church across from Olvera Street, before heading to the downtown federal building to protest immigration raids.

The planned speakers at the Sports Arena event include Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, California Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez (D-Los Angeles) and Representative Hilda Solis (D-El Monte). A separate group of anti-illegal immigration advocates is scheduled to hold a counter protest downtown today.