May Day march set for rush hour

Against the backdrop of a sputtering economy, rising joblessness and growing intolerance toward illegal immigration comes this annual event: the massive May Day march that draws thousands onto downtown streets.

Friday's demonstration also comes amid strong indications President Obama is willing to move on long-sought demands of protesters: immigration reform that includes a path to citizenship for the 12 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally.

Marches are planned in cities from New York to San Francisco. Seattle's will be during Friday evening's rush hour, with a predicted 5,000 or more participants.

Beginning at 3:30 p.m. near St. Mary's Church in the Central Area, marchers will go through the International District, to Westlake Center and finally rally in Pioneer Square's Occidental Park.

In addition to immigration reform, demonstrators are also demanding universal health care, worker rights and an end to wars instigated by the U.S. "I think it's important this May Day to go out into the streets very strong and say this (immigration reform) is an issue that has not been resolved," said Jorge Quiroga, of the organizing group, el Comité Pro Reforma Migratoria. "Every year we can find a reason for not solving this problem — war, elections, the economy. We ... need attention and we need it now."

But those who favor tighter immigration enforcement say marchers may find less public sympathy than in the past. As joblessness soars, there's corresponding rancor among those who think that immigrants — legal and illegal — take jobs U.S. citizens should rightfully have.

"I think the economic situation will make the public even less receptive to the idea of amnesty than a few years ago when it first came up," said Ira Mehlman, spokesman for the Federation for American Immigration Reform.

Indeed, things are different this year.

Like others in this economy, immigrants, particularly those who been employed in the construction industry, have lost jobs in large numbers. With no safety net, growing numbers are homeless. After years of marches that haven't resulted in the changes they seek, some have become discouraged, organizers worry, and believe it's best to leave it to those with direct access to Congress and those in the Obama administration.

They've seen how a grass-roots approach can bring about results.

Obama promised during his campaign he would back a plan to fix the nation's immigration system and recently has stated he would like Congress to move soon on a plan. A Senate hearing is scheduled today.

Lornet Turnbull: 206-464-2420 or lturnbull@seattletimes.com