Protesters take to Houston street to voice concerns on immigration

Thursday, July 31, 2014
Protesters take to Houston street to voice concerns on immigration
A group of people showed their support to the more than 57,000 unaccompanied minors who have crossed the border in recent months

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- As the sun came up along Highway 59 and Shepherd Drive was a small, silent protest with a big message.



"We need to open our borders for everyone," protester Pat Hartwell said.



They call themselves the "Women and Children Welcoming Committee." On Thursday, they and others showed their support to the more than 57,000 unaccompanied minors who have crossed the border in recent months.



"I don't think this is really about politics or anything. It's just if there is people in need than everyone should be welcoming to them," protester Nelson Vanegas said.



Steven Dieu knows a thing or two about being welcomed to the States.



"I am the product of the American generosity and kindness," he said.



Now an attorney, he was only 15 when he left Vietnam without his parents and only a 16-year-old brother to hold his hand during the trek.



"It is a very tough decision that any family at that time had to make," Dieu said.



He says this country gave him a second chance at survival, at life, and he wants to provide the same chance to the new surge of unaccompanied minors.



Dieu was one of hundreds of attorneys who gathered Thursday for a seminar to learn about the legal rights of the Central American kids and how best to serve them during the immigration process.

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