Rallies held in Los Angeles in support of Obama's immigration plan

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- President Barack Obama is launching his drive to get Congress to send him an immigration bill. It comes just one day after he announced his controversial plan to protect millions of undocumented immigrants from deportation.

There were several rallies held in support of the plan in downtown Los Angeles on Friday.

"This entire time I have been living in fear and anxious because I'm worried about being deported," said undocumented worker Leslie Achincia through an interpreter at one of the rallies.

Achincia has lived in the U.S. for 20 years, and says now she doesn't have to worry. She and others came to a watch party at L.A. City Hall to see President Obama's speech in Las Vegas. After the speech, hundreds gathered outside for a rally.

"Today we are celebrating a huge win for our community and for those that stand to benefit, it's going to transform their lives forever," said Apolonio Morales, political director of CHIRLA.

The president's controversial plan is temporary. It provides three-year relief for millions of undocumented people who have lived in the country for more than five years and have children that are U.S. citizens or legal residents.

"One this does is this brings millions of immigrants out from the shadow and into the fabric of our society," said California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon.

The executive order is not amnesty and does not provide a pathway to citizenship. At another rally in front of the Federal Building, protestoes say it is now up to congress to act for comprehensive reform.

"About the 6 million or more undocumented immigrants that will not receive any legal relief under this executive presidential order," said Juan Jose Gutierrez, Rights for Immigrants Coalition.

Republicans have criticized the president's actions. Immigration activists know that it will now be tougher to get any kind of bill through Congress.