CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Businesses in Charlotte closed, workers boycotted their jobs and students rallied all in support of immigration rights during the "Day Without Immigrants" Monday.

The day was meant to show the impact legal and illegal immigrants have on the American economy. After school, dozens of students met at a church before marching to Marshall Park in Uptown Charlotte for Monday night's immigration vigil.

While no students walked out of class Monday, 684 Latino students were absent from school.

Nancy Trago skipped her classes at Rock Hill High to show her support for illegal immigrants. She said she did it to be a part of history.

"I believe we should make a change by speaking our voices," she said.

Latino high school students in Charlotte had already walked out of class several times to show their support for immigrant rights, but Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools threatened to suspend students who walked out Monday -- and CMS said none did.

North Mecklenburg student Iviana Ramirez and her friends showed their support in another way.

"I think it's going to be a fun experience," she said.

"Why is it important?" asked Rene Romo.

"Because I think we're the future of the United States."

Signs posted at Charlotte Latino businesses all had the same message: "We're closed to support the boycott."

Customer Maria Monico supports the nationwide call for Latino businesses to close to show the economic importance of illegal immigrants, but she's not sure it's good business.

"I think it's a great thing that they're closed," said Monico.

"Will it solve anything?" asked reporter Rene Romo.

"Probably not," said Monico.

On Central Avenue, a bakery, grocery store and a restaurant all closed. Customers couldn't go in and buy anything. UPS employee Adele Terry couldn't make her deliveries, making it a frustrating day.

"It can be, but you're still providing a service for them. We still have to go through the procedures that we're trained to do," she said.

Spanish-language radio station WNOW also know as "Radio Lider" is also losing money in ad revenue. The station went commercial-free to support the boycott.

WNOW President Julian Posse said in Charlotte, and across the country, the message will be heard.

"To show the American people we work and we come to this country to have a better life," said Posse.

Hispanics said they want their voices to be heard and for people to realize their economic power.