Immigrants and their supporters gathered on Wednesday at rallies and news conferences in New York and across the nation to denounce a judge’s order halting President Obama’s sweeping executive actions on immigration and to vow a redoubled effort in support of the initiatives.
Coming on the day that one of the new programs was scheduled to take effect, the gatherings were as much about dispelling rumors and educating the immigrant population as about stiffening resolve and buoying hope.
“What we have met is just a bump in the road,” Representative José E. Serrano said, at a news conference in Manhattan that had the feeling of a pep rally, with dozens of participants, including immigrants, their advocates, public officials and service providers.
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And while anger about the injunction was universal among advocates, some found a silver lining in it, pointing out that it gave them and their constituents more time to organize outreach efforts and prepare application packages.
“We have more time to prepare ourselves,” said Betsy Plum, director of special projects for the New York Immigration Coalition. “It’s a blessing in disguise.”
A version of this article appears in print on February 19, 2015, on page A21 of the New York edition with the headline: Immigrants’ Advocates Vow ‘to Continue the Fight’ After a Plan Is Halted. Order Reprints| Today’s Paper|Subscribe
