Carolina Bortolleto, her twin sister Camila, and about a half dozen other students came to the Capitol at 2:30 this afternoon to watch the debate on a bill that would allow undocumented immigrants such as them to qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities in Connecticut.
Nearly seven hours later, they are still watching and waiting.
"They're talking to no end with no purpose than to delay the vote [and it's] annoying,'' said Carolina Bortelleto, a 22-year-old Brazilian immigrant who lives in Danbury and just graduated from Western Connecticut State University with a degree in biology.
Bortelleto said she was surprised by the lack of understanding displayed by some lawmakers. For instance, one Senator wondered why the students don't simply become citizens. "I would if I could...the reason I'm undocumented is not because I don't want to legalize my status, it's because I can't.
While Bortelleto and the other students expressed frustration by the lengthy Republican filibuster, which they are watching from the Senate gallery, she took heart in one senator's comments.
Sen. Michael McLachlan, a Republican opponent of the bill who hails from Danbury, said he met with the students. They "worked me hard" to try in hopes of changing his views, he said.
While ultimately unsuccessful, Bortelleto said McLachlan's statement "made me feel good...at least we gave him something to think about.''