In life, there are sometimes questions that seem simply too difficult to answer. Ranging from the metaphysical (“What is time?”) to the inane (“How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop?”), these questions haunt young and old alike. One such question, which has plagued America almost since its very birth, is that of immigration: How do we go about letting people into this country?

On Sun., Mar. 21, Washington, D.C. overflowed with 200,000 individuals marching for immigration reform. Speakers invigorated the crowd with calls of justice while marchers demanded comprehensive change, protesting separation of families and seeking a way for “illegals” to gain legal status. Among the many speakers was New Haven Mayor John DeStefano, Jr., and among the 200,000 marchers was a contingency of nearly 900 from New Haven—the largest contingency from all of New England.

16 New Haven buses headed out to Washington, D.C. Sunday morning, each filled to capacity. Inside the buses were representatives from groups like City Hall, Junta, the People’s Center, and St. Rose de Lima Church, as well as ordinary New Haven residents. “New Haven heard about the march, and community leaders decided to come together,” said Sandra Trevino, executive director of Junta, a Latino organization that provides services and advocates progressive change.

With its large immigrant population—both legal and illegal—New Haven is no stranger to immigration issues. Three years ago, a spotlight was put on the city with the introduction of Elm City residency cards, which were issued to residents regardless of legal status. “New Haven is a progressive city that believes in human rights—all human rights,” Trevino said.

Last week, New Haven brought these local issues on to the national front, joining immigrants and supporters from all over the country. Will Sunday’s efforts have any effect, though? Many are optimistic. It was the largest Washington, D.C. rally the Obama administration has seen, and Trevino claims that they have caught the legislators’ attention. “We expect our senators to look into immigration for all and economic justice for all.” There has, however, been a long history of energetic promises, with little action to back them up. Many here in New Haven have high hopes that they will, in fact, see results in coming months, and immigration will no longer be a question that is simply too difficult to answer.