Ninth grader Erika Cardoso, 16, center, and 12th grader Joshua Vazquez, 19, right, both from South Grand Prairie high school, shouted "Viva Mexico" as students held a rally at Dallas City Hall on Monday to fight for immigrant rights.

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved sweeping election-year legislation Monday that would clear the way for 11 million illegal aliens to seek US citizenship, a victory for demonstrators who had filled the streets, demanding better treatment for immigrants.