Hundreds back immigration bill at Fort Wayne rally

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Several hundred people joined a rally in downtown Fort Wayne urging Congress to vote on a stalled immigration reform bill.

The crowd spent about three hours marching and listening to speakers outside the Allen County Courthouse on Sunday.

Immigrants and supporters held signs reading “Family Unity” and “Immigration Reform” backing a bill passed by the Democratic-controlled Senate with a 13-year path to citizenship for those already in the U.S. illegally.

The bill hasn’t been taken up in the Republican-controlled House. Fort Wayne resident Jesus Almanza tells The Journal Gazette he hopes the marchers’ message reaches the area’s congressman, Republican Marlin Stutzman.

Hispanic Leadership Coalition of Northeast Indiana president Max Montesino tells WANE-TV the group wants law changes that are safe for the country and improve the lives of immigrant workers.