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Rally for immigration reform held in front of federal court house

About 50 people marched around downtown Peoria Wednesday in support of comprehensive immigration reform. Illinois People’s Action organized the event as part of a national day of action. Similar events are taking place around the U.S.

The central Illinois group also held an interfaith rally in front of Peoria’s federal courthouse in hopes of sending a message to Congressman Aaron Schock’s office.

Jennifer Carrillo is an organizer with Illinois People’s Action. She says area Hispanics living in the U.S. illegally want a chance to make their case for reform in a community forum.

"We think he needs to hear what people have to say before he makes up his mind about which way he's going to vote on this, and we want him to be a public champion for this."

Carrillo says some of the major issues that should be included in a comprehensive reform package include approving a path to citizenship and improving work conditions for the 11-million immigrants in the country without permission. Illinois People’s Action also held a march and rally in Bloomington.