On this day of massive protests, clogging city streets all across this country, we have the story of one woman who thought her voice really could be heard in the immigration debate.
She wasn't part of the throngs of people protesting. We found her a few blocks from NBC News headquarters, in the concrete canyon of Midtown Manhattan. Hers was a small throng, just a few protesters in New York's garment district, where workers are remembered by a bronze sewing machine statue and an oversize button and needle.
Kathy Andrade is an immigrant-turned-citizen with strong opinions on living and working in the U.S., legally.
“I am from the Republic of El Salvador,” she says. “I am a naturalized American citizen. I have been in this country for more than 50 years. I became American citizen through the union citizenship program. I am a registered voter, and I feel that I have the moral responsibility to support my brothers and sisters who have no papers.”
What worries her about the debate that's going on right now?
“That it's taking so long,” she says. “Honestly, they are more concerned in penalizing and criminalizing immigrants than to do the right thing.”
Does she feel this is the essence of democracy, being out at Monday’s protest?
“Definitely, I cannot do that in my country. They would kill me if I do that.”