NEW YORK -- Immigration reform is rallying hundreds of thousands in protest across the nation, placing before House and Senate members one of the toughest decisions ever to be made and, in the words of Arizona Senator John McCain, making headlines as a "defining moment in the history of the United States of America.”

Just this past Saturday, tens of thousands of immigrants, church leaders and human rights advocates marched across the Brooklyn Bridge, heralding trumpets and dressed in the colors of their mother countries, including Mexico and Ecuador, and equally in the red, white and blue of their current home nation. And marchers were not solely from south of the states, but the solidarity march brought together the diverse groups that define New York.

The international make up of New York among the city's 3.2 million foreign-born residents includes Dominicans, Chinese, Jamaicans, Haitians, Koreans, Filipinos, Irish, and Russians to name a few.

But more than an immigrant issue, churches are raising concerns over the human rights of the estimated 12 million undocumented immigrants in the United States.

"It's not just an immigrant issue. It's [about] human rights," said the Rev. Jimmy Lim, program director of The Council of Churches of the City of New York, one of the sponsoring groups of the solidarity march.

Thus, churches have prominently joined immigrants in a supportive voice, largely organizing the rallies themselves.

Los Angeles saw one of the biggest demonstrations ever with half a million participants. Protest organizers and participants credited Cardinal Roger Mahony, who leads the Archdiocese of Los Angeles - the largest Catholic diocese in the country - for playing a critical role in drawing the enormous crowd to the streets downtown. The march in New York, meanwhile, was initiated by CONLICO, the largest association of Hispanic churches in the NYC Metro area, and Radio Vision Christiana.

Churches are outraged over the new penalties that have been imposed on those who assist immigrants in any way.

"The Bible teaches us when your brother or sister is in need, before asking any questions, you should help them," said Lim. "That's what the Christian ministry is all about.

"But if the government starts penalizing, especially the church, in giving assistance to the needy, then there's seriously something wrong with that."

Meanwhile, America is in favor of allowing the millions of immigrants citizenship. According to a TIME poll, 78 percent of those surveyed favored allowing citizenship for those who are already here, if they have a job, demonstrate proficiency in English and pay their taxes. Only 1 in 4 would support making it a felony to be in the U.S illegally.

Another mass action is being planned in New York City where leaders and activists from labor, peace, civil rights movements along with churches will organize the March for Peace, Justice and Democracy on Apr. 29. The countdown to the march will start at Riverside Church on the anniversary of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s death.