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Marchers demand immigration reform in Davenport

Dozens of activists marched through downtown Davenport on Thursday, calling for a clear path to U.S. citizenship.

The cries for change rang through downtown Davenport.

"We need freedom. The time is now. We've been waiting a long, long time," said Antonia Alvarez, an undocumented immigrant living in Minneapolis.

Alvarez was one of dozens who marched from St. Anthony's Catholic Church to the Irish Memorial on Thursday, August 20, 2015, calling for immigration reform. Walkers from Quad Cities Interfaith were joined by a bus load of activists from Asamblea de Derechos Civiles, a Minnesota-based civil rights group.

"We have no opportunity. When you are born in Mexico, you have no opportunity," said Alvarez.

Others joined Alvarez's call, saying they hope to see a clear path to U.S. citizenship.

"I often hear the phrase, 'Why don't they just get in line?' There is no line. If you could just show us where that line is, these people would get in that line," said Margie Mejia-Caraballo, chair of the immigration committee for Quad Cities Interfaith.

Immigration reform has become a hot topic on the campaign trail, as well. This week, Republican candidate Donald Trump released his immigration plan that includes ending birthright citizenship for children whose parents are in the U.S. illegally.

The marching activists, though, say it's not that simple.

"Immigration is a very complicated topic. You cannot just say anchor babies should not be allowed to stay or children born to people who are undocumented in this country should not be allowed to stay. That's how broken our system is. There is nothing that is defined, that is clear. The lines are very blurred," said Mejia-Caraballo.

The Minnesota group is traveling across Iowa, joining other protests and prayer vigils. They'll also be rallying in Iowa City and Des Moines.

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