Up to half a million Hispanics and their supporters poured onto US streets in the latest huge rally for immigrant rights as Democrats and Republicans remained divided over plans to overhaul immigration laws. Up to 500,000 people marched through Dallas, many wearing white to symbolize peace, waving American flags and voicing anger at Congress? failure to pass reforms that would help many of the estimated 11-12 million illegal immigrants become legal.

The rally came a day ahead of protests planned in 60 US cities as immigrants vent their anger at a bill passed by the House of Representatives that would make illegal immigrants felons and build a 698-mile wall along parts of the Mexican border but contains no provision for guest workers. ?My mom was born in Mexico, she?s been here ever since she was 16 and I?m here for her because I don?t believe in the bill on immigration,? said Dallas protester Ambrosio Garcia, 25. ?Immigrants should not be criticized or considered illegal felons.?

Television pictures from above showed an enormous crowd snaking through the Texas city?s street. Police and organizers had only expected 50,000 to 100,000 people to attend.

Thousands of protesters also marched in other cities on Sunday, including Salt Lake City and Detroit. House Majority Leader John Boehner said on television he supported the House bill and did not want a guest worker program, a measure supported by President George W. Bush.

?You can?t begin to talk about a guest worker bill until you secure the borders,? he said on ABC?s This Week with George Stephanopoulos. Otherwise, he said, ?We?re going to have an endless parade of illegal immigrants here in our country.?

                                                                <I><B>© Reuters 2006.</B></I>