MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Dozens of Memphians gathered in Overton Park to protest two immigration bills proposed at the Tennessee State Capitol.

Demonstrators gathered at Overton Park’s Veterans Plaza to call attention to HB-0793/SB-0836, which would prohibit undocumented students from attending public schools.

“It doesn’t matter how you came to call Memphis your home; you’re here contributing taxes,” said organizer State Rep. Gabby Salinas.

“Education is a right, not a privilege, and no one should be deprived because of our immigration status,” said a student present.

The bill is set to challenge a 1982 U.S. Supreme Court ruling saying all children are entitled to a public education regardless of their immigration status.  

Another bill would force families of undocumented students to pay for their public education.

“We work hard, we go home, we want education for our children, and that’s all we want,” said speaker Jose Valverde at the rally.

“During the rally, this piece of paper was given with a message on how people here can speak to state leaders in Nashville,” said Valverde. “They say that this is one way for their voices to be heard.”

“We have lessons to prove this to us; if we do not speak out, it only gets worse. Fascists are only emboldened by silence,” said Demonstrator Audrey May.

Those in attendance also criticized the Trump administration. The president is now looking to enact a five-million dollar gold card similar to a green card aimed at wealthy foreigners.

“We have to be able to get people in the country, and we want people that are productive people, and I will tell you, the people that can pay $5 million, they’re going to create jobs,” said President Donald Trump.

But State Rep. Gabby Salinas said that Republicans have had some of the most transformative immigration policies as she looks for bipartisan support.

“Reagan did the pardon for the reparations for the Japanese internment camps, so my message to the Republicans is remember the history of your party and speak up,” said Salinas.

Demonstrators say they will be there for the vote next Wednesday for Senate Bill 836, which prohibits undocumented immigrants from public schools.