Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Antwerp on 15 February to ask for the regularization of immigrants without identity papers, the so-called “sans-papiers”, responding to the appeal of the collective HOP (Hoop Op Papieren: Hope to obtain a residence permit). The organization is asking for the regularization of all those who began their application procedure for residence at least three years ago and who give proof of being fully integrated in the social fabric through their knowledge of language, enrolment of their children at school and integration at work. The promoters of the demonstration also included the St. Egidio Community, well known for its social commitment in Antwerp. The bishop of the city, Msgr. Paul Van den Berghe, also participated in the event; he appealed to Catholic schools to give their support to the demonstration. In an interview with the Flemish magazine “Knack”, Cardinal Danneels declared he supported the objectives of the HOP collective.
