Some US Democrats see momentum building for an overhaul of immigration laws that would legalise millions of undocumented workers, but analysts say a crowded agenda and struggling economy may once again sink hopes for reform next year.
Representative Luis Gutierrez says he will introduce a comprehensive reform bill in the Democrat-controlled Congress in December, offering a path to citizenship for law abiding undocumented workers.
"It's my feeling that we just can't wait any longer for a bill that keeps our families together, protects our workers and allows a clear pathway to legalization for those who have earned it," the Illinois Democrat said.
Mr Gutierrez was speaking in a conference call, which organizers said reached 60,000 participants gathered at house parties in 45 states.
Democratic officials in Washington, however, are sceptical there will be enough time or political will to tackle the issue next year although it could be on the agenda in 2011 or 2012 depending on the outcome of congressional elections next year.
Immigration is a divisive issue in the United States where some 12 million illegal immigrants live and work in the shadows and where Hispanics, the largest immigrant group, are an increasingly weighty voting bloc.
President Barack Obama, who was backed overwhelmingly by Hispanics in his election last year, says he wants to see legislation by early next year. His predecessor, President George W. Bush, tried and failed to get reforms passed.
Mr Obama supports the idea of offering citizenship to illegal immigrants in good standing while cracking down on employers who hire undocumented workers as well as hardening the porous border with Mexico.
Representative Nydia Velazquez, who chairs the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and who also spoke in Wednesday's call, said she believed legislation would be passed before Congressional elections in November 2010.
Senior White House advisor David Axelrod told CNN on Sunday that Democrats and Republicans in Congress were working together to craft an immigration reform bill that could become law as early as next year.
That echoed a statement by Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano, who said last week that factors like a big decline in illegal border crossings had altered the political climate, making an overhaul "attainable."