Immigrants and their allies will hold vigils and march in more than 150 cities nationwide Saturday as a reminder that they want immigration reform.
Organizers call the mobilization an effort to complete immigration reform this year. A rally and free concert Tuesday in Washington are expected to draw thousands. There also will be Texas rallies in Houston, San Antonio Dallas, Austin and Corpus Christi.
They come amid congressional fighting over the budget and public debate over health care reform.
Chances activists get anything through Congress this year are slim. If House Republicans agree to anything with Democrats, it's likely to be about the budget, not immigration. But organizers say Saturday's events are as much about sending a message to average Americans and empowering immigrants themselves as about pressuring politicians.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.