NEW YORK, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of immigrants from various countries marched along major streets in Manhattan on Monday in protest against legislation aimed at toughening immigration laws.

    Demonstrators carried signs proclaiming "Today we march, tomorrow we vote," "We are America," and "Your dinner (was) made possible by an immigrant near you." Many waved American flags and the national flags of their own countries.

    Protesters marched from Brooklyn, Chinatown and Washington Square to join a rally in front of City Hall. It is part of a national day of action, in which rallies are taking place across the country.

    The diversity of the crowd was well illustrated by roadside vendors selling flags to the protesters. The wide array of different national flags made some vendor carts look like the United Nations gift shop.

    "The no. 1 message here today is we are America," said Chung-wha Hong, executive director of the New York Immigration Coalition, one of the organizers. "We're here and we're here to make America strong."

    Organizers say the goal is to stop what they call anti-immigration legislation being discussed in Congress from becoming law. The bill being debated in Washington separates illegal immigrants into three categories. Those here for more than five years could apply for legal residency without having to leave the country. Those here two to five years, would have to leave, but could immediately return as temporary workers. Anyone here less than two years would have to leave and wait in line for a visa.

    Congress is currently on an Easter break, but is expected to pick up the debate in two weeks.

    New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg did not take part in the rally, but said he favored leniency toward immigrants already here.

    "If we did not have the immigrants we would all be dramatically hurt, and very quickly," said the mayor. "Our economy cannot continue to grow unless we have a constant source of new immigrants coming to this country with new ideas."

    Protesters say they want Congress to pass a bill which outlines a path to citizenship and provides full civil rights for all immigrants. Enditem