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As Congress moves forward with immigration reform, we take a look at how this issue connects to culture, business and families in the Northwest.Our region is home to a unique blend of immigrants who work in all parts of our economy — from high-tech to agriculture. This population already has a deeply-rooted history here. And its ranks are expanding rapidly.Proposals for comprehensive immigration reform address border security, employment verification, guest-worker programs and pathway to citizenship for an estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants in the US.

PHOTOS: Hundreds march in solidarity with separated families

Hundreds marched in solidarity with families affected by President Trump's zero tolerance immigration policy Thursday night in Seattle. The prayer and procession for families at the border began at Saint Mark's Episcopal Cathedral and ended with a candlelit service at St. James Cathedral.

Read More: Some moms too anguished to speak, attorneys for asylum seekers say

"I’m here today to try to do something for these babies that are being torn from their mothers," said Sally Carlson. "This is bringing back echoes of the Japanese internment, the genocide of the Native Americans, slavery and Nazism. We’re having concentration camps here in America again and I won’t stand for it."

Chants of "Reunite them now! Reunite them when? Reunite them now!" could be heard as the procession made its way down Broadway on Capitol Hill toward St. James Cathedral. 

"These people are not killers or thieves, you know, they should be treated with some kind of humanity," said Deborah Robinson. 

Some marched with young girl's dresses or shoes. Marla Katz carried a sign that read, "Where are the children," with a small blue and yellow dress pinned to it. 

Following the two-mile procession, crowds filed into St. James Cathedral for a service and candle lighting. 

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