Immigration reform backers rally in Salem

SALEM, Ore. (AP) — Supporters of immigrants rights rallied at the state Capitol on Friday, with a sense that their cause has better prospects this spring than in recent years.

As at other rallies across the nation, thinned by swine flu worries, the crowd at the annual May 1 gathering in Oregon was smaller than in years past, when rallies filled the street and spilled into the green space across from the steps to the Capitol.

Organizers estimated the crowd at more than 3,500.

The crowd chanted in Spanish "Si, se puede," and listened to Hispanic music tinged at times by hip-hop. Some of it sampled President Barack Obama's English refrain for the same words: "Yes, we can."

One large sign read, "Escuchanos, Presidente: La Reforma es urgente:" Hear us, Mr. President, reform is urgent.

But rally organizers said Obama's support isn't in question.

"He told us loud and clear he's with us," said farmworkers' leader Ramon Ramirez.

Ramirez said in an interview that despite the national effort devoted to two wars and a punishing recession, he's optimistic about chances for "comprehensive immigration reform" that many red, white and blue signs at the rally called for.

He cites larger Democratic majorities in the Congress, including the potential for a veto-proof majority in the Senate, as well as support from key Republicans.

"It's easier now," Ramirez said. "To me, there's momentum."

The rally featured speeches by Democratic legislative leaders, labor leaders and representatives of the state's nursery and restaurant associations, both representing major employers of immigrants.

"Business needs workers. Workers need business," said Jeff Stone of the Oregon Association of Nurseries. "All of us need to work our way out of this recession."

He said major statewide employee groups have joined a "Coalition for a Working Oregon" to promote what it calls "a thoughtful, sensible approach to immigration reform on the federal level." The group says its constituent organizations represent businesses employing more than 300,000 people in Oregon.