(03/20/06) TRENTON ? More than a thousand people rallied at the state Capitol in Trenton Monday in opposition of a bill that would make illegal immigration a felony in the U.S.

Protesters called for a bill to give more opportunities for illegal immigrants to gain legal status. Bill opponents at the rally say many illegal immigrants just want to become contributing members of society in America.

Opponents from New Jersey Citizens for Immigration Control say the protesters are lawbreakers and tax-evaders who threaten domestic security.