Thousands of people gathered in Dodge City, Garden City, and in communities across the nation April 10 to march for comprehensive immigration reform, and to protest HR4437, which, if passed, will make felons out of more than 11 million undocumented immigrants, as well as those who lend them aid.

In Dodge City, well over 1,000 people came to Wright Park to march to the office of Sen. Pat Roberts, and then back to Wright Park. March organizer Jesse Garcia said that the purpose of the march was, in part, to remind Sen. Roberts that many of his constituents are Hispanic, and that they are closely watching how he votes in the immigration debate.

On April 10, the collective voices of all those gathered across the country for immigration reform were heard in a big way.

At Wright Park, flags of the United States, Mexico and El Salvador billowed in the wind, while a pick-up truck provided a make-shift stage. Occasionally a news helicopter hovered overhead, and the crowd responded by pointing their many signs in the air.

Moments before a speaker offered instructions for the march to Sen. Pat Robert’s office several blocks away, police officers met with coordinators, which sparked rumors of arrest should the crowd begin to march. The rumors were quickly dispelled when, instead of stopping the crowd, the police instead stopped traffic, allowing the marchers a safe venue.

Prior to departing Wright Park, Father Wesley Schawe – climbing into the back of the truck amid deafening applause – offered a prayer in English and Spanish.

"God our Father, you give us everything that is good, and in Matthew’s gospel you promised to be with us until the end of the world," he said. "And so we come to you this day, asking that your guiding hand lead us in the direction of peace while leading us in the direction of progress. Lord, we gather here this morning not asking for special privilege, not asking to be above the law. We gather here this morning asking for justice, justice for immigrants.

"Help us to be a living witness of your love, and a reminder to all of the dignity inherent in every person made in your image. As we prepare this week to celebrate the death and resurrection of your Son, guide us to work for the coming of His kingdom here, to die and rise with Him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever."

Then they took to the streets — men, women and children of all ages, and marched peacefully and loudly, singing and chanting all along the way. Cars on Wyatt Earp Blvd. were made to wait nearly 15 minutes as the long line of protesters crossed the busy street.

Once in front of Sen. Roberts’ office, the same make-shift podium was erected, and over 1,000 marchers asked that Sen. Roberts come out and listen to their concerns, and share his feelings on immigration reform.

Inside his office, two aides to Sen. Roberts, who appeared a bit disconcerted as the sounds of the marchers echoed throughout the office complex, listened as Dr. Raymundo Villanueva, MD, eloquently put into words the strong feelings of people everywhere who are pressing for comprehensive immigration reform.

A few other marchers wandered into the office building asking for the senator. After being told he wasn’t in the building, the aides said that instead of coming outside to address the crowd, they would be happy to meet with march representatives in a private meeting inside the office.

Then a young woman, a man (who took his young son off his shoulders and handed him to his wife), and Dr. Villanueva, sat down with the representatives of Sen. Roberts, and peacefully shared the voice of a multitude.