Cross posted from Standing FIRM blog.

I am exhausted today. Yesterday was a whirlwind of marching, lobbying, writing, tweeting, picture taking, interviewing, chanting and more marching. But it was more than worth it.

I was standing side-by-side with more than 8,000 people (according to National Mall staff) as we marched to the front door of Congress to demand comprehensive immigration reform. Before the event, over 900 of those people talked directly to their members of Congress about supporting immigration reform and specific pieces of legislation such as the DREAM Act and AgJobs.

This number doesn’t even cover the more than 20,000 calls and faxes into Congress that were made by people across the country, as a part of yesterday’s action for reform. We showed power yesterday, both in DC and across the country.

The day culminated in Representative Luis Gutierrez, champion of immigration reform, introducing core principles for a progressive immigration reform bill, which he has promised to formally introduce later this year. Rep. Gutierrez said:

We simply cannot wait any longer for a bill that keeps our families together, protects our workers and allows a pathway to legalization for those who have earned it. It is time we had a workable plan making its way through Congress that recognizes the vast contributions of immigrants to this country and that honors the American Dream.

The event has garnered much media attention, though it was drowned out yesterday by the continuing health care debate.

Says Marisa Trevino of Latina Lista:

If you didn’t hear about the rally, it’s not surprising. It didn’t take place until late afternoon – after the passage of the health reform bill but news outlets are slowly getting around to writing about it.

And they should be because this wasn’t the usual caravan-to-Washingon-and-demand-immigration reform rally. This rally was different in that it served as the platform where Illinois Rep. Luis V. Gutierrez, chairman of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, attempted to jumpstart the immigration debate by unveiling the “core principles” he wants seen included in any immigration reform bill.

She’s right: this wasn’t a typical march to the Capitol to call for immigration reform. There was substance and passion and true momentum behind yesterday’s event.

There are two big things that I am taking away from yesterday:

Number one, the fight for immigration reform has officially started.

Number two, we haven’t even begun to tap the potential support for a pro-migrant progressive bill. The fact that thousands of out-of-town people turned out in person, drove hundreds of miles, fund raised and even missed work to be at a pro-immigrant event where the main draw was only principles of a potential bill, sends a very clear message: we are ready for this fight.

That is not to say this won’t get ugly. I never underestimate the nativist lobby’s ability to stoop lower and lower in their demonization of immigrants and of our movement. But, the true power and the true majority is with us.

Leaders leave the church on their way to Captiol Hill!

At the moment, leaders and advocates are streaming out of the Church of the Reformation on their way to visit members of Congress on neighboring Capitol Hill.

Before leaving, a national leader reminded the crowd about what they are asking of their members of Congress. Leaders will be discussing the following four things in their Lobby visits:

Will you support immigration reform?

• If so, thank them and let them know you will share this information with your family and friends in your home district.
• If not, we will make sure that we also share this information with our families and friends at home.

Will you show your support by co-sponsoring the following bills?

• The DREAM Act
• AgJobs
• The Reuniting Families Act

Also, ask them if they will make sure that immigrants are treated fairly in health care reform legislation by:

• Making sure lawful immigrants are not subject to lengthy waiting periods
• Making sure that children of immigrants have access to care
• Opposing verification requirements that make it difficult for the most vulnerable immigrant populations to get adequate care.

[Pictures to come!]

While leaders are in the halls of Congress, you can join them by calling your Representative or sending a fax. . It only takes a minute and you will be joining thousands of other voices calling for comprehensive immigration reform today!

Community leaders and families have arrived at the Church of the Reformation, next to Capitol Hill, to begin their day of lobbying Congress for comprehensive immigration reform.

Right now, Pastor Ronny Sanchez, from Springfield, MA is speaking passionately at the church’s podium about what reform means to him and why so many families urgently need this legislation. Children are hand in hand with mothers and fathers, preparing for their meetings with members of Congress.

A Polish leader from ICIRR is now speaking in Spanish, Polish, French and English, representing the diverse communities present and the strength of our coalition. As he finishes his last line, the crowd breaks out into the first round of “Si Se Puedes” of the day (I’m sure many more are to come).

“Soon we will be walking to the Capitol. And our messages will be part of millions that will be brought to them. Congress exists to work for us. Let’s remind them of that.”

Leaders from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights start the trek to Washington, DC to join in the day of action for Family Unity.

Today is the day we have all been waiting and preparing for. Today, thousands of leaders and advocates from across the country are uniting in Washington, DC to call on their members of Congress to support comprehensive immigration reform. Today, we are saying enough is enough. Today we are demanding that families not be torn apart. Today we are saying “ya basta” for our communities.

I am on my way to the Church of the Reformation, where advocates will be gathering before they hit the halls of Congress to speak directly to their Representatives. I will be live-blogging today’s events, so be sure to stay tuned for more at the Reform Immigration FOR America blog.

Also, if you’re on Twitter, follow us at @RI4A or use the #famunity hashtag if you’re tweeting about today’s events.

If you can’t be in Washington, or any of the more than 3 dozen local events happening across the country, click here to find out 6 ways to be a part of today’s action.

Tuesday, October 13th is a big day in the fight for immigration reform. Thousands of community leaders will be gathering in Washington, DC to speak face-to-face with members of Congress, asking for their support of comprehensive immigration reform.After hitting the halls of Congress, their will be a vigil on the West Lawn of the Capitol, calling for family unity.

Can’t be in Washington, DC on October 13th? No problem, here are 6  easy ways to join in the action that day:

1. Find an event in your area. Click on the map above to find a local event on October 13th.
2. Call your Representative. With just one click, you can call your Rep. and ask them to support immigration reform. To call – click here.
3. Send a fax. Tell members of Congress that you want immigration reform now. It only takes a minute. Click here to fax.
4. Upload our badge. If you have a website or blog, upload our badge onto your site. Simply copy and paste the code we provide for you here.
5. Share on Facebook. On October 13th, help us spread the word by telling your friends. Click here to share on Facebook.
6. Tweet it! On Twitter? Help spread the word to the Twitterverse. Please re-tweet the following and use the #famunity hashtag when you talk about the action “RT @RI4A Join thousands of people across the country demanding #immigration reform today! http://bit.ly/uUKx3 #ri4a #famunity”

Help us send a resounding message to Congress that immigration reform can’t wait! For more information, visit our action page here.