Thousands took to the streets throughout the Bay Area yesterday in support of immigration reform and workers’ rights on May Day, also known as International Workers’ Day.

While the United States celebrates its Labor Day at the end of summer, more than 80 countries around the world celebrate their labor day on May 1. Activists in the Bay Area and across the United States used the day to draw attention to issues ranging from the Gang of Eight immigration proposal in Congress to a higher minimum wage.
In San Francisco, protesters marched from the Mission District to Civic Center Plaza, organized by a coalition of immigrants’ rights organizations, including the Cantonese, Latino and Filipino communities.
Self-identified undocumented immigrant Emmanuel Valenciano, 24, said he used to be afraid of deportation and was constantly worried about the future.
“We try to stay in the shadows,” he said. However, Valenciano, whose family is from the Philippines, is now urging others to mobilize.