A Ginza parade was held by 35 undocumented foreigners, consisting of 15 families and 2 individuals.

On Monday, March 26, 2012, 35 people, consisting of 15 families and 2 individuals residing in Japan illegally, and their supporters, gathered in Ginza at 1pm and held a parade to demand special residence permission.

Before leaving Hibiya Park, the children took the lead in making a sign that explained why they wanted to continue staying in Japan. They walked to Mizutanibashi Park, speaking out loud and telling the people of Ginza how they wanted to stay in Japan in their own words. They also handed out many flyers to people passing by, and were able to gain understanding of the issues that undocumented immigrants face.

The 35 people seeking special residence permission are from nine countries: Iran, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Peru, Bolivia, and Myanmar, and have a wide range of backgrounds, including their history of residence in Japan. After the parade ended, the following four points were resolved regarding the special residence permission requested from the Minister of Justice.

1. Allowing irregular families with children in the fourth grade or above to stay in Japan
2. Do not separate parents and children or spouses
3. Allowing irregular residents who have children in Japan to stay
4. Granting special residence permission to the families of those who entered the country illegally

Based on these four points, APFS staff responsibly submitted a written resolution to the Ministry of Justice that very same day, calling for immediate special residence permission for all 35 people, consisting of 15 families and two individuals.
We look forward to your continued support and cooperation.