Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Protests Draw Both Sides of Immigration Fight
By
Jaya Saxena
Published May 2, 2010
Modified May 2, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Gothamist
View all 7
By
Jaya Saxena
Published May 2, 2010
Modified May 2, 2010
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Yesterday's May Day protests drew over 5,000 marchers from across the city, and from across the political spectrum. Most were there to protest Arizona's new immigration bill, with some signs even likening Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to Hitler. Demonstrator Britta Schultz told WABC, "A person like me for example, would probably not be stopped, just because I'm blonde I look like an American although I'm an immigrant, but a person of a different color or looking Hispanic would be stopped."
However, others were out protesting Congress' failure to institute immigration reform, and supported Arizona taking matters into their own hands. "If you come with the intent to become a citizen then comply with those laws, then you're not illegal. But if you are coming to stay under the wire, work for minimum wage and be exploited how could you complain about your circumstances?" said one supporter. However, that doesn't address the possibility for racial profiling, which is the main concern of most who oppose the bill. Protester Monica Wright told the Post, "If Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor can be questioned in Arizona, this is an issue that affects all New Yorkers. I feel like the only things missing are dogs and a water hose." The more things change, the more they stay the same.
Tagged
arizona
arizona immigration bill
May Day
may day rally
protest
Jaya Saxena
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Republican Jeff Van Drew concedes NJ congressional seat in surprise victory for Democrats
Smalltown Cape May Mayor Zack Mullock’s likely victory could mark a historic night for Democrats.
By
Mike Hayes
and
Karen Yi
Published Nov 3, 2026 at 11:24 p.m. ET
NYC voters appear poised to approve outdoor dining, bike lane ballot measures
All five proposed changes to the city charter are leading, including measures to streamline outdoor dining permits and speed up bike and bus lane projects.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
NYC voters appear poised to approve outdoor dining, bike lane ballot measures
All five proposed changes to the city charter are leading, including measures to streamline outdoor dining permits and speed up bike and bus lane projects.
By
Giulia Heyward
Rebecca Bennett flips NJ Republican House seat for Democrats
By
Mike Hayes
and
Karen Yi
Mamdani allies Valdez, Avila Chevalier win House seats for New York
By
Jon Campbell
Kathy Hochul re-elected New York governor, defeats Bruce Blakeman
By
Jon Campbell
,
Elizabeth Kim
and
Walter Wuthmann
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .