Leaders from the Nevada Immigration Coalition and the Latin Chamber of Commerce also spoke, as well as several members of the Culinary Union Local 226, which represents thousands of immigrant workers.
Ericka Lopez came to the United States about 19 years ago from El Salvador, which qualified her for temporary protected status. She grew emotional as she described working for more than 15 years in casino laundry rooms to provide a better life for her two children.
“We are the backbone here in Las Vegas,” she said to scattered applause. “We make this country better every day.”