Immigrant Advocates Hold Hunger Strike In Washington Sq. Park
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Immigrant advocates joined high school and college students for a hunger strike in Washington Square Park on Friday.
Some of the demonstrators had been fasting since Tuesday.
The group is also calling on lawmakers to pass the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act or "DREAM."
The DREAM Act would allow young people to become legal residents as long as they are working towards a higher education degree or service in the military.
Supporters said the bill is essential to keep families together and talented students in the United States.
"f these things get passed it's going to be life-changing for many, many people, young and old alike," said one protester.
"It is an urgency to pass it, because our families need it, our communities need it. And our country needs it, to increase the economy of this country for a better future for the community and for the country," said another.
The DREAM Act has enjoyed bipartisan support but has never come up for a full vote.
Demonstrators said they would end their fast on Friday.