As part of a pilgrimage from Nov. 19-21, documented and undocumented Texans marched from Hutto to the Governor’s Mansion to protest Gov. Greg Abbott’s refusal to implement President Barack Obama’s immigration policies.

The march began on Nov. 19 at the Don Hutto Residential Center in Taylor, Texas, followed by  journey to the Governor’s Mansion, where the protest was held on Nov. 21. 

In November 2014, Obama announced a plan known as Deferred Action for Parents of American and Lawful Permanent Residents which would allow 5 million undocumented residents nationwide to apply for a worker’s permit and stay for a three-year period if they passed background checks and paid appropriate taxes. However, Abbott and 25 other state governors responded in January 2015 by filing a lawsuit to block Obama’s plan.

Alejandrina Guzman, an officer for the League of United Latin American Citizens UT chapter and psychology junior, said she and several group members joined those who marched as they passed the UT Tower on their route. 

Guzman said having parents who immigrated to the United States inspired her to advocate for others. 

“I truly hope Abbott rethinks his immigration policy because we will not leave until there is justice,” Guzman said. “Immigrant families have every right to exist in this very nation.”

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has been handling the case and said in an interview with the Texas Tribune in July he is confident Texas would win this battle.

“The district court rightly stopped this program in its tracks, and we will continue fighting President Obama’s disregard for the rule of law,” Paxton said in the interview.