City request to cancel May Day march rejected

April 30, 2009 (CHICAGO) They said Thursday that city officials asked them to cancel their demonstration to prevent spreading the illness. But they say the real reason for that request is to prevent their message of immigration reform, and legalization for undocumented immigrants.

"It seems to us that this is an almost racist situation. There was a soccer game yesterday with thousands of spectators, and no health measures were taken whatsoever," said Jorge Mujica, march organizer.

"It's a war against immigrant workers, and we want to stop that war. And we're calling on Obama to stop that war against immigrants. We have to really recognize that immigrants contribute to this society," said Carlos Arango, march official.

They said marchers are willing to wear masks if city or medical officials give them some.