State Senator Steen Miles (D-Decatur) was one of only two members voting against SB 529 when it was still in Committee.
"The bill doesn't provide for much more than the laws we already have. It simply puts law enforcement and others in the posture of racial or ethnic profiling... essentially targeting a group of people because of their surname, how they look, etc. It is blatantly aimed at Hispanics," Miles told Atlanta Progressive News.
"If you're Brown, get outta town," Miles said, summing up the Committee Hearings.
Zamarippa has recently announced he will leave public office to pursue what he calls global economic opportunities. His seat is being sought by Orrock.
All were clearly touched not only by the huge numbers present but also by the enthusiasm and strong emotions of the crowd.
Their speeches followed a moment of silence for the thousands of immigrants who have died trying to cross the border for the privilege of working here.
Zamarippa thanked the immigrants for their work, their dreams, and their devotion to their families.
"We march with hope in the future of this country," Zamarippa said. "American immigrants' faith in their dreams is the most powerful in all the world."
"Yes, we are a country of laws, but our immigration laws need to be changed," Zamarippa said.
"You are not alone!" Fort, a leading civil rights activist, said. "Your struggle is our struggle. We know what it means to be shut out, to be put down."
Black, Brown, White and Yellow must band together for human dignity, Fort said. "Tell Sonny Perdue where you stand! In November, we gotta throw that crowd out of the Capitol and have a new Georgia," Fort said as the audience shouted its approval.
Marin addressed the crowd, telling them he was never more proud to be Hispanic. He noted their hard work, their difficult lives, and announced this was a new day in the history of Georgia.
"Immigration is a defining feature of our history and our future. I'm proud to stand with you as this massive march sends that message yet again," Orrock told the marchers.
Two Latino women had driven together from Gwinnett County to attend. "Today, we want to show that we have one voice. We are all from different countries, but today we are united," Olinda Padilla said.
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