RACINE - A group of about 50 people marched outside of U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan's Downtown Racine office at 216 Sixth St. on Tuesday, angered by the Janesville Republican's decision to grant an interview during an event sponsored by an immigration reform organization in Washington, D.C.

The same day Ryan released a statement explaining what he called confusion about his radio interview conducted during the "Hold Their Feet to the Fire" event sponsored by the Federation for American Immigration Reform. The Southern Poverty Law Center has designated FAIR as a hate group.

Ryan said he did not endorse or signify support of the organization in question.

He did not participate in the immigration reform event aside from granting a radio interview to discuss "health care reform and the Green Bay Packers."

Protesting is just one way local student groups like Students United in the Struggle and Students United for Immigrant Rights get the issue of immigration reform out into the public consciousness, according to Sandra Ceja, 17, a senior at Horlick High School.

"We've accomplished a lot. We've been rallying at all the rallies in Milwaukee, doing all we possibly can do. Making speeches for immigrant rights and so we can make a change and make a difference," Ceja said.

Christina Neumann-Ortiz, director of Voces de la Frontera, said she was pleased to learn about Ryan's statement that he did not signify support of FAIR, which she called "anti-immigrant."

"We think that it's absolutely critical that more politicians do likewise," Neumann-Ortiz said. "We are delivering a pledge that we hope he will sign and that basically says that he commits to not associate with hate groups."

Teresa Mora, an aide in Ryan's Racine office, handed out copies of Ryan's statement to the protesters gathered outside his office.

In his statement, Ryan addressed the students who planned to participate in Tuesday's protest.

"I appreciate your active participation in the debate over how to enact meaningful immigration reform that both respects the rule of law and affirms the dignity of all human beings," Ryan said.

"Legal immigration strengthens our country and I will continue to engage in a dialogue rooted in respect as we work to reform our nation's immigration policies. I appreciate the opportunity to clarify this matter."

According to Ryan's release, his name has since been removed from FAIR's Web site where it had been noted that Ryan took part in the immigration event.