Immigration reform may be stalled in Washington, but supporters of immigrant rights are moving full speed ahead.
Protests are planned for Monday in dozens of cities, including the nation's capital, where more than 200,000 people are expected to rally. Other big events are planned in Florida, Georgia and California.
Jaime Contreras of the National Capital Immigration Coalition said this will be a day for immigrants to demand that Congress give them the dignity and respect they have earned.
Demonstrators are seeking a reform measure that would legalize an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants.
There were marches in at least 10 states on Sunday. A crowd estimated by police at up to half a million people marched in downtown Dallas. Those backing rights for illegal immigrants were joined by demonstrators on the opposite side of the debate. Some Republicans and many Democrats support letting undocumented workers stay in the country and obtain citizenship, but others flatly reject it.
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Austin demonstration
News 8 Austin's Reagan Hackleman has a preview of Monday's demonstration.
 
National debate
CNN's Tara Mergener reports on
the debate from Washington D.C.
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"My view is that people who have broken our law, come into the country illegally, have every right to participate in a temporary worker program, but there is no need to say to them, you're going to make citizens of the United States of America," Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Arizona, said.
Here in Austin, Monday’s planned protests seem to be on a smaller scale. The National Day of Action for Immigration has been the hot topic for the local Hispanic community, but that's not the case everywhere.
The march on the University of Texas campus and at the State Capitol was organized by college students, churches and the Latino community.
Among joggers on the Town Lake Hike and Bike Trail on Sunday, however, fewer than five people even knew about it.
"I haven't heard a thing about it really. I think the attitude that most people have in the world in general is if it doesn't affect me, why should I care about it?" jogger Erin Williams said.
Austin's demonstration begins with a rally at 11 a.m. the University of Texas' East Mall Fountain at the corner of San Jacinto and 23rd Street.
At 4 p.m., the group will meet up with others downtown at the State Capitol. They will then march down Congress Avenue and head east to the Federal Building at Ninth and San Jacinto.
News 8 Austin will air live coverage throughout the day.
