Students Protest Immigration Reform

As the nation continues to argue over immigration reform -- some of the loudest voices on the issue have come from young people. Around the country, students are protesting proposed changes to immigration laws that could criminalize undocumented workers, and it`s no different here in Northwest Arkansas. KNWA`s Alexa Hamblin has more on what`s happening right here in our own backyards. Most of them aren`t old enough to vote, but the proposed immigration reform legislation in Congress has dozens of Springdale Students rallying together to protect the freedoms of the people they love. With an emphatic cry to unite, about 50 hispanic Springdale students from George, Southwest, and Central junior highs and Springdale High School, began their protest march to raise awareness about their concerns regarding immigration reform. "I was an immigrant, but now I`m legalized, but I`m still fighting for my country over there," says Springdale High School Student Miriam Vargas. The protest was loosely planned with phone calls and text messages. Students ranging in age from 14 to 18 didn`t walk out of school, they just didn`t go to school. And while their two mile trek from the high school to the Jones Center kept police busy and phones ringing at city hall, it also garnered support. Neighbors handing out water, horns honking, and spontaneous cheers all showed shared sentiments. The Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission estimates that 20% of Springdale`s population is hispanic, but in the school district, hispanic students make up more than 35% of the student body. So it seems many of Friday`s emotions on the immigration issue won`t go away anytime soon. Students who missed school Friday without their parents` permission could face suspension. I`m Alexa Hamblin... For KNWA... Northwest Arkansas news.