In the heart of the Bay Area, a spirited movement is developing, led by a diverse group of activists determined to secure a better future for undocumented immigrants. They have collectively walked 48 miles from San Jose to San Francisco to demand justice, recognition and the right to live without fear.
This march, which began on Saturday morning, August 17, focuses not only on the kilometers traveled, but on the stories told along the way.
Protesters, like Idilia Mendez, are pushing for passage of two critical bills that would provide a path to citizenship for undocumented immigrants who have lived in the United States for at least seven years, have paid taxes and have no criminal records.
The march is a demand for the opportunity to live without fear of deportation and to be reunited with their loved ones. Idilia says: “We have been waiting for my family’s papers for years. And this bill could be a good thing so they can get their papers soon to visit their family in Mexico.”
Margarita has been working for 27 years, cleaning the same house, without stopping to support her family. She does everything from cooking, cleaning and washing clothes to changing light bulbs. Her boss told her not to fall on the job and get hurt, or she would be out of a job.
This is the first year that she has been given vacation time, and she uses it as a volunteer at Almas Libres. Her dedication to her family is reflected in her commitment to this cause.
Margarita's story is just one of many. Each step of the march echoes the collective experiences of countless undocumented immigrants who have been forced to leave their homes, their families, and everything they know.
Many migrants are forced to leave their places of origin due to violence and economic instability. They are forced to travel long distances by train and on foot to reach unknown destinations.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, many migrants find work in unfamiliar surroundings and begin to build a new life. For them, this life is seen as temporary, a means to an end. They send money back to their families, hoping to save enough to return home one day. On a daily basis, they juggle long hours of work, rent, living expenses and remittances to support their loved ones.
The story of countless migrants is defined by resistance, sacrifice and unwavering hope for a better future. As one protester says: “When you come here, you are only judged by your appearance: you are Mexican, you are black, you are Latino, you are poor. That is all they see.”
Eladio Cortés Morales spent 17 years in prison, including six months in ICE detention, before joining the Movement for Human Integrity and Dignity, Not Detention. Eladio’s mission is to highlight the injustices faced by people unfairly labeled and punished by the system. Last year, he participated in a pilgrimage to ICE detention centers in California. On September 25, 2024, he will join the pilgrimage again, supporting the migrant movement and advocating for humane treatment.
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The march that marched to San Francisco is urging Vice President Kamala Harris to support two bills that would expand eligibility for the Immigrant Registration Program. They hope she will champion their cause and achieve long-awaited immigration reform.
They have no expectations of Trump and do not support his leadership. Idilia expressed her frustration, saying: “I don’t understand the things Trump says, especially when he speaks publicly. As a citizen born in this country, I feel ashamed because Donald Trump does not represent me.”
The Bay Area march for a path to citizenship includes organizations such as Almas Libres, Amigos de Guadalupe, SIREN, and De-Bug, among others. These groups are dedicated to immigrant rights and justice. They show the strength and unity of the immigrant community and its allies in pushing for legislative change.
Eladio, Margarita, Idilia and many others walk for the countless undocumented immigrants who continue to live in the shadows. They march, some with blistered feet, in the hope that their voices will finally be heard and that a clear path to citizenship will soon be within reach. Their journey is a testament to the strength of community and the power of collective action in the fight for justice and equality.
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