CARMEL

Peaceful demonstrators conduct a vigil in downtown Carmel last week promoting immigration reform. A chilly wind blew across Lake Gleneida into the faces of some two dozen men, women, and children gathered on the steps of the historic Putnam Courthouse. They were gathered there to rally for comprehensive immigration reform.

Last week’s peaceful demonstration in Carmel coincided with a speech made in Washington by Congressman Luis Gutierrez, chairman of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, who called for immigration reform on the national level.

Signs reading “We are all God’s children,” and “Communities that exclude their own are not communities at all,” drew honks and beeps from passing motorists.

The vigil was sponsored by the Hudson Valley Community Coalition. The group’s executive director, Betsy Palmieri, a resident of Westchester, explained that her group represents people from the five-county Hudson Valley.

Palmieri said the coalition believes in “keeping families together, while supporting comprehensive immigration reform. Our political leaders must realize that reform is needed today— not tomorrow or next month or next year—but immediately.”

Palmieri called it “devastating” that “many of our friends cannot be a total family because our laws are so outdated. The legislation must be fixed so families can be kept together.”

Norma Mora of Carmel came to the U.S. from her native Guatemala 17 years ago. Mora remembered how difficult it was to receive her citizenship; “yet when I received my status as an American citizen, I was so happy. I voted. My dream came true!”

Mora arrived in the U.S. at the age of 21 and it took her seven years to receive her citizenship. Mora said she has seen “many, many immigrant families struggle. All they want is an opportunity to be part of this great land.”

Mora said the vigil’s message was simple and direct: “We are getting older. We must teach our children and others’ children to assist those in need. We must keep families together. Every family deserves to be united.”

Congressman John Hall issued a statement concerning the vigil: “Illegal immigration is a serious problem facing America. Congress must pass strong, comprehensive, immigration reform. Securing America’s borders must be part of any immigration reform bill that eventually becomes law.”

—Eric Gross