New York City immigrants outside of City Hall Park

New York City immigrants want federal stimulus money to be used for job training and English language education. Chung-Wha Hong, executive director of The New York Immigration Coalition, was one of hundreds gathered in City Hall Park Tuesday, urging government officials to keep immigrant services in next year's budget.

Jose-Luis Zacabelco, an English as a second language teacher in Queens, was at the rally to protest proposed budget cuts to Adult Literacy programs. He says his students need the classes in order to fully participate in the city's economy.

Many mayoral candidates, including City Comptroller William Thompson, spoke at the rally to voice their support for New York's large immigrant community. Immigrants and their children make up two thirds of the city's population.