Immigration advocates in cities across the US hoped to use May 1st to again stress the need for comprehensive immigration reform in the United States. Organizers across the country were mobilizing on Wednesday for the May Day rally, which they hoped would mirror the rallies of 2006, in which thousands took to streets all across the country demanding earned legalization for the millions living without legal status in the US. They also were calling for an end to work site raids and deportations, which have been stepped up in recent US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

In Chicago, up to 50,000 were expected at a downtown march and rally that has also been extended to include gay activists who are fighting also for immigration rights. Rallies were also planned for Miami, in Little Haiti, Seattle, Los Angeles, Texas, New York and other cities. In New York, the rally is set for Union Square at 14th Street & Broadway from 4pm.

But many admit that the turnout may not be as huge as in 2006; especially since there is no immigration reform legislation before congress and also because of the many other issues dominating the spotlight, including the economy and the war in Iraq. Caribbean immigration advocate, Irwine Clare, says he feels the rally is important given the lull on the issue in recent months.

"This will remind people of the plight of millions of people across the country and keeps some semblance of light so its not believed that all is forgotten,’ said Clare. ‘Whoever becomes the next President will have to deal with this issue—either deport millions or pass a path to legalization.’ Still he admits the rallies may not draw in as many people as in past years and he’s unsure Caribbean nationals will show up to be a part of this. In the past, Caribbean nationals, despite needing reform, have been largely absent from the rallies, which have been dominated and propelled by Hispanic immigrants.