Undocumented immigrants urged to register with government at Chicago rally

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Undocumented immigrants living in Illinois were urged to come forward at a rally Saturday in Chicago and register with the federal government.

The event comes just two days after President Barack Obama announced he would issue an executive order to protect millions of people from deportation.

"This is a major benchmark in the fight for immigrant rights," said Maria Pesquiera, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights.

The Deferred Action registration program prevents the deportation of millions.

Local Democrats and immigration reformers joined members of the city's immigrant communities at a rally Saturday morning at Pilsen's Benito Juarez High School.

Rep. Luis Gutierrez, a longtime immigration activist, encouraged the undocumented not to be afraid to register.

"This is about going after felons and not going after families, going after gang-bangers and not children and deporting them," Gutierrez said.

Under the plan, undocumented immigrants who have lived in the US at least five years and have children who were born in the US or have legal resident status can apply.

Those passing a background check can then legally live and work in the country for the next three years.

"This means a lot for me and my family, and I think for everyone else here in the United States," said Evelin Garcia.

Others say the change helps all immigrant communities.

"We're all human, we're all equal, god made us the same," said Vong Niang, Korean American Resource and Cultural Center.

But there are critics.

Republicans, along with Chicago's Minuteman Project accuse President Obama of overstepping his authority.

"This man has to be impeached. He's intentionally destroying the United States of America. He is violating the very oath that he swore to uphold," said Carl Segvich, Chicago Minutemen Project.

Meanwhile, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he is going to make sure the city is ready for the start of the registration process.

"Our work is not done. This is the beginning," he said.