Evo Morales rallies for immigrants’ rights

During a visit to Spain, Bolivian president Evo Morales praised the efforts of migrants living abroad. "When the Spanish and Europeans came to America, our forefathers didn't call them illegal," said Morales at Sunday’s rally outside of Madrid. Morales pro-immigrant message included proclaiming that "we all have the right to live in any part of the world, respecting the laws of each country."

With Spain being hit hard by the global economic downturn the country has undergone an immigration crackdown affecting hundreds of thousands of expats from Latin America. With about 40% of Spain’s Bolivian population consisting of undocumented immigrants, Morales’ message resonated with some who attended the rally:

Many Bolivians attending the event said they had difficulties securing work visas and consequently experienced problems finding work and abuse from authorities.

"We feel like criminals for not having papers, and we're treated like criminals. We're here to find out what the government can do to help us," said Bolivian construction worker Nemecio Vidal, 58.

Ata separate event, Morales blasted the deal for an expanded U.S. military presence in Colombia yet he vowed not to cut diplomatic ties with either country.

Image- PRESS TV
Online Sources- BBC News, The Latin Americanist, Reuters, RTT News