Thanks to Michael Meehan for the photographs.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Atlantic City Parade Theme: Legalize the Irish.
The theme for today's Atlantic City St. Patrick's Day Parade on the boardwalk was "Legalize the Irish."
Thanks to the organizers for their support of the undocumented Irish in America.
To read more about the Atlantic City parade click HERE.
Thanks to the organizers for their support of the undocumented Irish in America.
To read more about the Atlantic City parade click HERE.
Mickey Harte supports the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform
A very special thanks to Mickey Harte for a great night's entertainment at the Heritage in New York. Thank you, Mickey, for supporting the undocumented Irish in America.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Fine Gael Leader Enda Kenny and Ireland's Consul General Tim O'Connor meets with Irish Lobby for Imigration Reform Volunteers in Yonkers, New York
Ireland's Consul General in New York Tim O'Connor and 
Fine Gael Leader, Enda Kenny, met with Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform volunteers today in New York.
After the meeting, the Fine Gael leader issued a statement supporting the Irish undocumented in America. He also urged the Taoseach put the Irish undocumented at the top of his agenda during meetings with President Bush and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi next week.
To read the full statement on the Fine Gael website, click HERE.
Fine Gael Leader, Enda Kenny, met with Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform volunteers today in New York.After the meeting, the Fine Gael leader issued a statement supporting the Irish undocumented in America. He also urged the Taoseach put the Irish undocumented at the top of his agenda during meetings with President Bush and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi next week.
To read the full statement on the Fine Gael website, click HERE.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Irish TD's in US to lobby for undocumented Irish
Paul Connaughton in US to lobby for Irish illegals
Thursday March 8th 2007
By Tom Gilmore
GALWAY EAST T.D. Paul Connaughton was one of an all-party delegation from the Dail at a rally today (Wednesday) in Washington to try to pressurise the American political establishment to introduce legislation legalising 50,000 undocumented Irish currently living there.
Deputy Connaughton says he will be meeting with several well known US. senators and congressmen on Capitol Hill before attending a rally when it is hoped that over 3,000 undocumented Irish will converge on Washington from all over the US.
“No other nationality in the world with undocumented citizens in the United States can muster up so much support and despite the fact that there are approximately 50,000 undocumented Irish compared to over 12 million total immigrants, the Irish lead the way in this hard fought campaign,” said Deputy Connaughton.
The existing Kennedy-McCain proposals which would have allowed Ireland’s undocumented to work and to come and go from the US. as they saw fit had to be withdrawn when the mid term elections were held in the US last November.
But there is now a window of opportunity whereby if legislation is proposed and debated in the U.S. Congress inside the next six to eight weeks it could become law.
If this legislation is delayed until the autumn of this year the chances of it getting through in the shadow of the forthcoming U.S. Presidential election will be very remote.
“The leaders of the legalise the Irish campaign in the U.S. intend to hold a national rally in Dublin in mid April to enable Irish families show solidarity with their undocumented relations in the U.S. and I expect a huge attendance at this event, including many from Galway,” said Deputy Connaughton.
© Tuam Herald
http://www.unison.ie/tuam_herald/ & http://www.unison.ie/
__________________________________________________
Crowe addresses Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform Rally in Washington
Published: 7 March, 2007
Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe is in the US this morning to express Sinn Féin's support for the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform rally on Capitol Hill in Washington today. Speaking at the rally today Deputy Crowe congratulated the organisers and said the proposed new McCain Kennedy Bill has the potentials to provide a pathway to citizenship for the many thousands of undocumented Irish Americans."
Deputy Crowe said, "Regardless of people's politics, the issue of undocumented Irish Americans and all the hardships that go with such status has to be resolved in a humane manner. I believe the new McCain Kennedy Bill provides the way forward. It represents a pathway to citizenship for the many thousands of undocumented Irish Americans.
"I would like to congratulate and thank the organisers of today's rally for keeping this issue well and truly on the political landscape. It is imperative that we come to a successful conclusion of this matter.
"The fear of not being allowed re-enter the US, where many Irish people have made good lives for themselves, has meant that these people have been cut off from their families and their native country. This has caused much hardship for the undocumented Irish and for their families back home in Ireland and has meant visits, holidays, weddings and even funerals in Ireland are out of the question.
"We must remember that the undocumented Irish work very hard and make a powerful contribution to American social life the economy. It is now time for them to be granted citizenship.
"When Sinn Féin is here in DC during St. Patrick's week, we will consistently raise your case to Congress, Senate and all whom we meet. And we look forward to meeting with your families in Dublin on April 14th to offer what support we can back in Ireland."
Thursday March 8th 2007
By Tom Gilmore
GALWAY EAST T.D. Paul Connaughton was one of an all-party delegation from the Dail at a rally today (Wednesday) in Washington to try to pressurise the American political establishment to introduce legislation legalising 50,000 undocumented Irish currently living there.
Deputy Connaughton says he will be meeting with several well known US. senators and congressmen on Capitol Hill before attending a rally when it is hoped that over 3,000 undocumented Irish will converge on Washington from all over the US.
“No other nationality in the world with undocumented citizens in the United States can muster up so much support and despite the fact that there are approximately 50,000 undocumented Irish compared to over 12 million total immigrants, the Irish lead the way in this hard fought campaign,” said Deputy Connaughton.
The existing Kennedy-McCain proposals which would have allowed Ireland’s undocumented to work and to come and go from the US. as they saw fit had to be withdrawn when the mid term elections were held in the US last November.
But there is now a window of opportunity whereby if legislation is proposed and debated in the U.S. Congress inside the next six to eight weeks it could become law.
If this legislation is delayed until the autumn of this year the chances of it getting through in the shadow of the forthcoming U.S. Presidential election will be very remote.
“The leaders of the legalise the Irish campaign in the U.S. intend to hold a national rally in Dublin in mid April to enable Irish families show solidarity with their undocumented relations in the U.S. and I expect a huge attendance at this event, including many from Galway,” said Deputy Connaughton.
© Tuam Herald
http://www.unison.ie/tuam_herald/ & http://www.unison.ie/
__________________________________________________
Crowe addresses Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform Rally in Washington
Published: 7 March, 2007
Sinn Féin TD Seán Crowe is in the US this morning to express Sinn Féin's support for the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform rally on Capitol Hill in Washington today. Speaking at the rally today Deputy Crowe congratulated the organisers and said the proposed new McCain Kennedy Bill has the potentials to provide a pathway to citizenship for the many thousands of undocumented Irish Americans."
Deputy Crowe said, "Regardless of people's politics, the issue of undocumented Irish Americans and all the hardships that go with such status has to be resolved in a humane manner. I believe the new McCain Kennedy Bill provides the way forward. It represents a pathway to citizenship for the many thousands of undocumented Irish Americans.
"I would like to congratulate and thank the organisers of today's rally for keeping this issue well and truly on the political landscape. It is imperative that we come to a successful conclusion of this matter.
"The fear of not being allowed re-enter the US, where many Irish people have made good lives for themselves, has meant that these people have been cut off from their families and their native country. This has caused much hardship for the undocumented Irish and for their families back home in Ireland and has meant visits, holidays, weddings and even funerals in Ireland are out of the question.
"We must remember that the undocumented Irish work very hard and make a powerful contribution to American social life the economy. It is now time for them to be granted citizenship.
"When Sinn Féin is here in DC during St. Patrick's week, we will consistently raise your case to Congress, Senate and all whom we meet. And we look forward to meeting with your families in Dublin on April 14th to offer what support we can back in Ireland."
Michael Glass, Ed.D., AOH National Chairman on Immigration urges comprehensive immigration reform:
Some Thoughts on ImmigrationMichael Glass, Ed.D.
National Chairman, Immigration
Last year the US Senate passed a comprehensive immigration bill, which proposed a new pathway for undocumented residents a chance to pursue permanent status in America. The House bill did not, and the differences between the two bills were never resolved in committee. Current US immigration policies are so restrictive that such a pathway to citizenship does not exist now for the estimated 40,000 undocumented Irish in the country and any of the other millions of undocumented workers.
While immigration legislation was and still is seen by some as very controversial, Irish immigration to the US has been severely restricted in recent years. As one example, between 1996 and 2005, our government issued 8.75 million visas of all kinds, but of this very large number only 13,000 were granted to those who are Irish, and this is only visas not citizenship.
Very soon new immigration legislation will be introduced in both houses. These bills will need your support. Please contact your representatives in Washington and inform them that you expect an immigration bill that is fair and just for all immigrants.
excerpt from AOH President's letter in January 2007:
The issue of comprehensive immigration reform looms high on the list of legislative business that must be taken up in the new Congress. The possibility of a bill that would be advantageous to undocumented Irish residents in the U.S. as well as those wishing to come from Ireland was enhanced significantly by the results of the November elections. The Ancient Order of Hibernians will, as we have for over 170 years, be in the vanguard of those supporting the passage of legislation that is beneficial to Irish immigrants.
For the full letter, click HERE.
For the full letter, click HERE.
AOH President Meehan pledges AOH support for the passage of legislation that is beneficial, equitable and fair to Irish immigrants.
President Meehan pledges AOH support for the passage of legislation that is beneficial, equitable and fair to Irish immigrants.They said it couldn't be done in 1986. Wrong! They said it couldn't be done in 1990. Wrong Again! Now they are saying it can't be done in 2007.
Working together, Irish American voters and the undocumented Irish living here today can prove them wrong once again. Together, we can make 2007 another great year for the Irish in America.
The issue of comprehensive immigration reform, once again, looms high on the list of legislative business that must be taken up by the 110th Congress. The possibility of passing a bill that would be advantageous to undocumented Irish residents living in the United States as well as those wishing to come here from Ireland was enhanced significantly by the results of the November elections.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians will, as we have for over 170 years, be true to the principles set forth in the Preamble to our National Constitution and be in the vanguard of those supporting the passage of legislation that is beneficial, equitable, and fair to Irish immigrants. \
Jack Meehan, National President
Ancient Order of Hibernians
To read this on the AOH website click HERE.
Daily Colonial: Irish Immigrants call for reform
Irish immigrants call for reformPosted Thursday, March 8 2007 01:11:16 am
By Alison McCauley
The fresh blanket of snow on the ground didn’t keep Capitol Hill from being covered in green yesterday. The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform organized thousands from around the country to gain visibility and lobby legislators to support the McCain-Kennedy immigration reform bill.
The long lines extending from the House and Senate legislative office buildings were filled all day with demonstrators wearing ILIR’s signature “Legalize the Irish” t-shirts intermingled with Hill staffers chatting with one another about the unusual sight.
“A lot of people don’t even know the Irish have a problem,” an ILIR member named Una said. Una, who did not want to disclose her last name due to her illegal status, was born in Ireland and came to the U.S. 10 years ago. She met her husband, Dermot, here. She said the two have been married for six years and have a three-year-old daughter.
Dermot came to America 15 years ago and now runs his own construction company, which has 10 employees, in Yonkers, NY.
“Let us pay the taxes!” he said.
Dermot said that he pays his employees prevailing wages and carries out critical projects for his community and other parts of New York City. In the past, he obtained temporary visas to live and work in the U.S., he said, but after Sept. 11, 2001, his renewal requests were not approved.
Dermot is not alone. ILIR was founded by Niall O’Dowd and Ciaran Staunton in December 2005 to be a voice for the estimated 50,000 undocumented Irish immigrants who live in the U.S. today. Since they make up less than one percent of the 11 million illegal immigrants in America, it’s no wonder that they don’t receive much media attention. However, the organization may be slowly making headway in Congress.
Several members, including Sens. John McCain (R-AZ), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Hillary Clinton (D-NY), Sam Brownback (R-KS), and Reps. Eliot Engel (D-NY), Anthony Weiner (D-NY), William Delahunt (D-MA), and Marty Meehan (D-MA), have attended ILIR rallies and spoken in support of the organization’s cause. Rep. Engel is a sponsor of the group, and a member of their advisory board. NY State Sen. Jeffrey Klein also sponsors ILIR, according to the the group's website.
At the kick-off event for ILIR about a year ago in Yonkers, O’Dowd said to the 400 or so gathered that it was their own fault that the Kennedy-McCain bill had faded away since its introduction to the Senate in May 2005.
At this year’s rally, close to 6,000 demonstrators came to Washington to urge their representatives to support the legislation.
The non-partisan organization actually supports stronger border security and caps on the numbers of immigrants issued visas. Many of ILIR’s leaders have a long history of successful diplomatic efforts to reduce violence in Northern Ireland.
Read full article at Daily Colonial website
excerpt from Denver Post: Irish lend accent to immigration fight
By Jennifer A. Dlouhy
Hearst Newspapers
Washington - Thousands of undocumented Irish workers and their supporters rallied here Wednesday in support of legislation that would give illegal immigrants a chance to come out of the shadows and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
The boisterous rally just steps away from the U.S. Capitol building came on the eve of a new congressional debate about revamping the nation's immigration system.
Sens. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., and John McCain, R-Ariz., and their allies in the House are putting the final touches on a sweeping immigration bill that would give millions of undocumented foreigners a chance to work in the United States legally.
The legislation, expected to be introduced in the next 10 days, would also create a new temporary visa program for foreigners to take jobs that U.S. employers say they cannot fill with Americans.
Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., said he's working to speed up a vote on that bill. While at the White House last week, Salazar said, he urged President Bush to push for faster action on an immigration law rewrite.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said Wednesday that he wants to have an immigration-reform bill passed by August.
Unlike the current employment visa system that favors highly skilled foreign professionals, the new program would be geared to lower- skilled workers such as janitors, hotel service employees and construction workers.
Speaking to a crowd of immigrants waving U.S. flags, singing Gaelic tunes and wearing shirts proclaiming "Legalize the Irish," Kennedy called the U.S. a "nation of immigrants" and noted his own Irish ancestry.
"This is really a fight in terms of the future ... of the soul of our country," Kennedy told the cheering crowd. "I can't wait for this battle. ... I didn't come here to lose."
Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., also joined the rally to press for "comprehensive" reform that combines tough immigration law enforcement with a path to citizenship for most of the 12 million undocumented workers now living inside the U.S.
To read at the Denver Post website, clck HERE.
Hearst Newspapers
Washington - Thousands of undocumented Irish workers and their supporters rallied here Wednesday in support of legislation that would give illegal immigrants a chance to come out of the shadows and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship.
The boisterous rally just steps away from the U.S. Capitol building came on the eve of a new congressional debate about revamping the nation's immigration system.
Sens. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., and John McCain, R-Ariz., and their allies in the House are putting the final touches on a sweeping immigration bill that would give millions of undocumented foreigners a chance to work in the United States legally.
The legislation, expected to be introduced in the next 10 days, would also create a new temporary visa program for foreigners to take jobs that U.S. employers say they cannot fill with Americans.
Sen. Ken Salazar, D-Colo., said he's working to speed up a vote on that bill. While at the White House last week, Salazar said, he urged President Bush to push for faster action on an immigration law rewrite.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada said Wednesday that he wants to have an immigration-reform bill passed by August.
Unlike the current employment visa system that favors highly skilled foreign professionals, the new program would be geared to lower- skilled workers such as janitors, hotel service employees and construction workers.
Speaking to a crowd of immigrants waving U.S. flags, singing Gaelic tunes and wearing shirts proclaiming "Legalize the Irish," Kennedy called the U.S. a "nation of immigrants" and noted his own Irish ancestry.
"This is really a fight in terms of the future ... of the soul of our country," Kennedy told the cheering crowd. "I can't wait for this battle. ... I didn't come here to lose."
Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., also joined the rally to press for "comprehensive" reform that combines tough immigration law enforcement with a path to citizenship for most of the 12 million undocumented workers now living inside the U.S.
To read at the Denver Post website, clck HERE.
New York Sun: High Pressure Building Over Immigration
High Pressure Building Over Immigration
Clinton Adds Her Voice To Call For 'Comprehensive' Reform
By RUSSELL BERMANStaff Reporter of the Sun
March 8, 2007
WASHINGTON — Pressure is mounting on Capitol Hill for action on immigration, with the leading Democratic presidential candidate and the richest man in America adding their voices to a renewed push to overhaul a system that has let an estimated 12 million foreigners enter America illegally.
"We must pass comprehensive immigration reform," Senator Clinton told hundreds of cheering Irish immigrants at a rally in the Washington Court Hotel.
for the full story click HERE.
Clinton Adds Her Voice To Call For 'Comprehensive' Reform
By RUSSELL BERMANStaff Reporter of the Sun
March 8, 2007
WASHINGTON — Pressure is mounting on Capitol Hill for action on immigration, with the leading Democratic presidential candidate and the richest man in America adding their voices to a renewed push to overhaul a system that has let an estimated 12 million foreigners enter America illegally.
"We must pass comprehensive immigration reform," Senator Clinton told hundreds of cheering Irish immigrants at a rally in the Washington Court Hotel.
for the full story click HERE.
Austin American Statesman: Irish lend their voices to immigration overhaul
Irish lend their voices to immigration overhaul. Lawmakers join call for reform.By Gerry Smith
WASHINGTON BUREAU
Thursday, March 08, 2007
WASHINGTON — More than 1,000 undocumented Irish immigrants and their supporters rallied Wednesday for an overhaul of immigration law.
Crammed into a hotel ballroom and wearing green and white T-shirts reading "Legalize the Irish," participants waved American flags and sang Irish folk ballads between passionate speeches from Democratic senators.
Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., co-author of an immigration bill to be introduced next week, said one provision of the legislation would require immigrants to be proficient in English.
"And I think you can do that very well," Kennedy said.
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., noted that the new Democrat-controlled Congress would be friendlier to immigrants, particularly in the House.
"Guess who is no longer chairman of the House Judiciary Committee?" Schumer said, referring to Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, a Republican from Wisconsin.
Sensenbrenner was influential in passing a hard-line immigration bill in December 2005 that backed tough border security and opposed granting citizenship to illegal immigrants.
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., also joined the rally to press for "comprehensive" reform that combines tough immigration law enforcement with a path to citizenship for most of the 12 million undocumented workers now living inside the U.S.
"We cannot just take half steps, and we certainly cannot give in to those who would undermine the rights of people" working in the shadows, Clinton said.
Only about 50,000 of the illegal immigrants in the United States are from Ireland, according to the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, which sponsored the rally.
Kennedy, a descendant of Irish immigrants, told the crowd that the Irish values of hard work, sacrifice and devotion to family and faith belonged in America.
"I can't wait for this battle! I can't wait for this fight! Are you going to be there with me?" Kennedy shouted, provoking loud cheers. Earlier Wednesday, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., joined other lawmakers at a news conference billed as a kickoff for the broad immigration bill. No details of the measure were released.
Reid said that the Senate would vote on "comprehensive immigration reform" before the August recess.
gfsmith@coxnews.com
Additional material from Washington Bureau reporter Eunice Moscoso and Hearst Newspapers.
for a link to this article click HERE.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
McCain/Kennedy bill may get St. Patrick's unveiling
McCain/Kennedy bill may get St. Patrick's unveiling
By Ray O'Hanlon
rohanlon@irishecho.com
The rebirth of the McCain/Kennedy immigration reform bill on Capitol Hill looks this week as if it will coincide with St. Patrick's festivities in Washington next week.
And the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform is rallying in Washington today in an effort to spur legislators into action on an issue seen as central to the future of the Irish community in the United States.
"It's looking more like next week. We're going full steam ahead," a spokeswoman for Senator Edward Kennedy told the Echo.
Meanwhile, Senator John McCain, Republican co-author of the Senate bill alongside Democrat Kennedy, told Irish American reporters in New York last week that the next few months would provide a "window of opportunity" for comprehensive immigration reform but if the opportunity was missed it would be 2009 before the issue would likely be addressed again.
McCain, speaking before a Manhattan reception organized by the Irish American Republicans lobby group, said he gave McCain/Kennedy better than a fifty/fifty chance of success.
His assessment, whether by accident or design, touches on the number of votes needed for the bill success in the 100-member Senate. Sixty votes are needed to avoid a possible filibuster.
Given that a small group of Democrats, three or four at the most, are possibly lined up to oppose
McCain/Kennedy, McCain will have to pull at least thirteen of his GOP colleagues into the 'yes' column when it comes to a vote.
That vote will focus on a bill that the Senate passed last year but which ultimately died because it was up against a GOP House bill that focused entirely on border security, the building of a 700 mile fence along the frontier with Mexico and took issue with McCain/Kennedy's plan to allow a path to earned legalization for millions of undocumented and illegal immigrants, many thousands of Irish among them.
The new McCain/Kennedy bill is expected to preserve the border fence plan and other proposals to curb illegal immigration in the future.
But crucially it will again include provision that will set out a path to earned legislation, this in addition to an allotment of guest worker visas, an idea that is particularly supported by President Bush.
"This is a complex issue and demands a comprehensive approach. I don't expect it to be easy sledding," Kennedy was reported as saying in the Boston Globe.
Hoping to smooth the path a little today will be several thousand ILIR supporters who are reprising two previous expeditions to the nation's capital in support of reform.
As was the case last summer and spring, ILIR will be meeting with Capitol Hill legislators before staging a rally that will be addressed by Senate and House members supportive of comprehensive reform.
The rally venue was changed late last week in anticipation of an even bigger turnout by ILIR members, according to ILIR's Kelly Fincham.
It will take place at the Washington Court Hotel on New Jersey Avenue, just a block down from the Holiday Inn on the Hill as originally planned.
ILIR's lobby day, and the arrival in Washington next week of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern for the annual shamrock presentation to President Bush, will serve to remind legislators that the undocumented Irish in the U.S. are anxiously awaiting a significant change in immigration law before year's end.
This story appeared in the issue of March 7 -13, 2007
for a link to the full article click HERE.
By Ray O'Hanlon
rohanlon@irishecho.com
The rebirth of the McCain/Kennedy immigration reform bill on Capitol Hill looks this week as if it will coincide with St. Patrick's festivities in Washington next week.
And the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform is rallying in Washington today in an effort to spur legislators into action on an issue seen as central to the future of the Irish community in the United States.
"It's looking more like next week. We're going full steam ahead," a spokeswoman for Senator Edward Kennedy told the Echo.
Meanwhile, Senator John McCain, Republican co-author of the Senate bill alongside Democrat Kennedy, told Irish American reporters in New York last week that the next few months would provide a "window of opportunity" for comprehensive immigration reform but if the opportunity was missed it would be 2009 before the issue would likely be addressed again.
McCain, speaking before a Manhattan reception organized by the Irish American Republicans lobby group, said he gave McCain/Kennedy better than a fifty/fifty chance of success.
His assessment, whether by accident or design, touches on the number of votes needed for the bill success in the 100-member Senate. Sixty votes are needed to avoid a possible filibuster.
Given that a small group of Democrats, three or four at the most, are possibly lined up to oppose
McCain/Kennedy, McCain will have to pull at least thirteen of his GOP colleagues into the 'yes' column when it comes to a vote.
That vote will focus on a bill that the Senate passed last year but which ultimately died because it was up against a GOP House bill that focused entirely on border security, the building of a 700 mile fence along the frontier with Mexico and took issue with McCain/Kennedy's plan to allow a path to earned legalization for millions of undocumented and illegal immigrants, many thousands of Irish among them.
The new McCain/Kennedy bill is expected to preserve the border fence plan and other proposals to curb illegal immigration in the future.
But crucially it will again include provision that will set out a path to earned legislation, this in addition to an allotment of guest worker visas, an idea that is particularly supported by President Bush.
"This is a complex issue and demands a comprehensive approach. I don't expect it to be easy sledding," Kennedy was reported as saying in the Boston Globe.
Hoping to smooth the path a little today will be several thousand ILIR supporters who are reprising two previous expeditions to the nation's capital in support of reform.
As was the case last summer and spring, ILIR will be meeting with Capitol Hill legislators before staging a rally that will be addressed by Senate and House members supportive of comprehensive reform.
The rally venue was changed late last week in anticipation of an even bigger turnout by ILIR members, according to ILIR's Kelly Fincham.
It will take place at the Washington Court Hotel on New Jersey Avenue, just a block down from the Holiday Inn on the Hill as originally planned.
ILIR's lobby day, and the arrival in Washington next week of Taoiseach Bertie Ahern for the annual shamrock presentation to President Bush, will serve to remind legislators that the undocumented Irish in the U.S. are anxiously awaiting a significant change in immigration law before year's end.
This story appeared in the issue of March 7 -13, 2007
for a link to the full article click HERE.
Church calls for US immigration reform to protect 'undocumented' Irish:
MAYNOOTH - 8 March 2007
Fr Alan Hilliard, Director of the Irish Episcopal Commission of Emigrants (IECE), attended a rally in Washington DC yesterday, calling for immigration reform on behalf of the 'undocumented' Irish in the United States.
Speaking before the rally organised by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR), Fr Alan Hilliard said: "Time is of the essence in relation to the effectiveness of this campaign. If a pathway to legalisation fails to appear this year, it will be hard to offer real hope to the many Irish who are currently stuck in a legal quandary in the US.
Today, many Irish are here on behalf of friends and relatives and they just want to make an honest, open contribution for the good of America - the place many now call home." Fr Hilliard said: "Keeping faith in the objectives of immigration reform is vital at this time. It is great to see so many here today speaking - not just for the Irish - but who are lending their voices to the many who seek an opportunity to contribute to this nation. When the of the Bishop of Derry and Chair of the IECE, Bishop Séamus Hegarty, visited Washington and other US cities in 2005, he expressed a concern that so few of the 'undocumented' had their voices heard. Today's rally is an example of people taking responsibility for their own futures, and while this has not been easy, it is both necessary and commendable."
Fr Hilliard continued: "The pastoral welfare of the 'undocumented' is to the forefront of our concern. The Irish Apostolate has coordinated 110 visits over the last year to various members of the Senate and of the House of Representatives. At times we have shared these visits with other Catholic and interfaith groups which support our stance regarding the pathway to legalisation. After this rally we will continue with these visits. We will keep up the pressure and talk, not only to those who support our stance, but also to those who may need some encouragement to support our stance.
"While the economic reality indicates that the United States needs migrant labour, as a society it must also effectively protect and provide for the safety of its people. This is also a priority for the people here today who, in many cases, are themselves parents. They too are looking for safety and security for the sake of both their children and of future generations."
One flaw of the immigration reform of the 1980s was a lack of clear communication of rights and this was coupled with the propagation of misinformation. Partly - perhaps due to living on the fringes of society - many were uncertain, nervous and were consequently afraid to come forward. Many immigrants did not fully understand what was available to them. However, on this occasion we will provide information to those in need so that they can make informed decisions. What must be avoided are 'enticements' and other so called 'quick-fix' solutions which will be advertised by some unscrupulous people whose motive is profit and whose style is to prey on the vulnerable. We are presently upgrading our Irish Apostolate website to enable browsers to access the legislative changes, if and when they happen, as they become available online."
Fr Hilliard said: "Yesterday, members of our Apostolate met with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network to discuss the implementation of whatever legislation is put in place. Despite the uncertainty, we have to live with the expectation that legislative change will happen and, please God, a pathway of hope will open up."
Fr Hilliard concluded: "I thank the ILIR for organising this event. I wish also to pay a special tribute to the staff of the Apostolate and Coalition centres around America. It is an honour to serve with you. I thank the Congressmen and politicians from Ireland who are so generous in their support of immigration reform. However, if I wish to particularly acknowledge one group here today it is you: you who have no legal status and yet have taken the risk to step out of the shadows."
The Irish Bishops' Conference established a dedicated service in 1957 the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants (IECE) to help co-ordinate pastoral support for Irish emigrants in the UK. Based in Maynooth this outreach (Chaplaincies) service now extends to Germany, the USA (New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia); and Australia. The Irish Apostolate is the service provided by the Irish Bishop's Commission for Emigrants in the United States.
Please see the website of the Irish Apostolate: www.usairish.org
The Catholic Legal Immigration Network was established in 1988 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as an organization to support a rapidly growing network of community-based immigration programmes in the US.
Its mission is: "To enhance and expand delivery of legal services to indigent and low-income immigrants principally through diocesan immigration programs and to meet the immigration needs identified by theCatholic Church in the United States."
The objectives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' immigration reform campaign are:
- To educate the public, especially the Catholic community, including Catholic public officials, about church teaching on migration and immigrants;
- To create political will for positive immigration reform;
- To enact legislative and administrative reforms based on the principles in the pastoral letter Strangers no Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, which was jointly published with the Mexican Bishop's Conference in 2003;
- To organize Catholic networks to assist qualified immigrants in obtaining the benefits of the reforms.There are an estimated 50,000 'Undocumented' Irish immigrants living in the United States.
Source: Irish Catholic Media Office © Independent Catholic News 2007
To read the full report click HERE
Fr Alan Hilliard, Director of the Irish Episcopal Commission of Emigrants (IECE), attended a rally in Washington DC yesterday, calling for immigration reform on behalf of the 'undocumented' Irish in the United States.
Speaking before the rally organised by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR), Fr Alan Hilliard said: "Time is of the essence in relation to the effectiveness of this campaign. If a pathway to legalisation fails to appear this year, it will be hard to offer real hope to the many Irish who are currently stuck in a legal quandary in the US.
Today, many Irish are here on behalf of friends and relatives and they just want to make an honest, open contribution for the good of America - the place many now call home." Fr Hilliard said: "Keeping faith in the objectives of immigration reform is vital at this time. It is great to see so many here today speaking - not just for the Irish - but who are lending their voices to the many who seek an opportunity to contribute to this nation. When the of the Bishop of Derry and Chair of the IECE, Bishop Séamus Hegarty, visited Washington and other US cities in 2005, he expressed a concern that so few of the 'undocumented' had their voices heard. Today's rally is an example of people taking responsibility for their own futures, and while this has not been easy, it is both necessary and commendable."
Fr Hilliard continued: "The pastoral welfare of the 'undocumented' is to the forefront of our concern. The Irish Apostolate has coordinated 110 visits over the last year to various members of the Senate and of the House of Representatives. At times we have shared these visits with other Catholic and interfaith groups which support our stance regarding the pathway to legalisation. After this rally we will continue with these visits. We will keep up the pressure and talk, not only to those who support our stance, but also to those who may need some encouragement to support our stance.
"While the economic reality indicates that the United States needs migrant labour, as a society it must also effectively protect and provide for the safety of its people. This is also a priority for the people here today who, in many cases, are themselves parents. They too are looking for safety and security for the sake of both their children and of future generations."
One flaw of the immigration reform of the 1980s was a lack of clear communication of rights and this was coupled with the propagation of misinformation. Partly - perhaps due to living on the fringes of society - many were uncertain, nervous and were consequently afraid to come forward. Many immigrants did not fully understand what was available to them. However, on this occasion we will provide information to those in need so that they can make informed decisions. What must be avoided are 'enticements' and other so called 'quick-fix' solutions which will be advertised by some unscrupulous people whose motive is profit and whose style is to prey on the vulnerable. We are presently upgrading our Irish Apostolate website to enable browsers to access the legislative changes, if and when they happen, as they become available online."
Fr Hilliard said: "Yesterday, members of our Apostolate met with the Catholic Legal Immigration Network to discuss the implementation of whatever legislation is put in place. Despite the uncertainty, we have to live with the expectation that legislative change will happen and, please God, a pathway of hope will open up."
Fr Hilliard concluded: "I thank the ILIR for organising this event. I wish also to pay a special tribute to the staff of the Apostolate and Coalition centres around America. It is an honour to serve with you. I thank the Congressmen and politicians from Ireland who are so generous in their support of immigration reform. However, if I wish to particularly acknowledge one group here today it is you: you who have no legal status and yet have taken the risk to step out of the shadows."
The Irish Bishops' Conference established a dedicated service in 1957 the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants (IECE) to help co-ordinate pastoral support for Irish emigrants in the UK. Based in Maynooth this outreach (Chaplaincies) service now extends to Germany, the USA (New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia); and Australia. The Irish Apostolate is the service provided by the Irish Bishop's Commission for Emigrants in the United States.
Please see the website of the Irish Apostolate: www.usairish.org
The Catholic Legal Immigration Network was established in 1988 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as an organization to support a rapidly growing network of community-based immigration programmes in the US.
Its mission is: "To enhance and expand delivery of legal services to indigent and low-income immigrants principally through diocesan immigration programs and to meet the immigration needs identified by theCatholic Church in the United States."
The objectives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' immigration reform campaign are:
- To educate the public, especially the Catholic community, including Catholic public officials, about church teaching on migration and immigrants;
- To create political will for positive immigration reform;
- To enact legislative and administrative reforms based on the principles in the pastoral letter Strangers no Longer: Together on the Journey of Hope, which was jointly published with the Mexican Bishop's Conference in 2003;
- To organize Catholic networks to assist qualified immigrants in obtaining the benefits of the reforms.There are an estimated 50,000 'Undocumented' Irish immigrants living in the United States.
Source: Irish Catholic Media Office © Independent Catholic News 2007
To read the full report click HERE
Irish Times: Irish lobby Congress or right to stay in US
2,500 Irish lobby Congress for right to stay in US
by Denis Staunton in Washington
More than 2,500 undocumented Irish immigrants and their supporters braved a snowstorm yesterday to rally in Washington in support of reforms that would allow them to stay in the US legally and eventually apply for citizenship.
Dressed in green and white T-shirts with the slogan "Legalise The Irish", the mostly young demonstrators from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco and elsewhere spent the morning lobbying members of Congress in their Capitol Hill offices.
At the rally, which was organised by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR), a succession of senators and congressmen, including Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Rodham Clinton, spoke in support of immigration reform and urged the Irish lobbyists to carry on the fight.
"We are grateful to you because you are not only standing up for yourselves but for countless others who have no voice and cannot come here to Washington. You are making a strong statement about the importance of America remaining true to its values," Mrs Clinton said.
Democratic senator Edward Kennedy and Republican John McCain plan to introduce legislation in the next week that would allow most of the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the US to remain in the country.
The Senate passed a similar Bill last year but it faced insurmountable opposition in the House of Representatives when Republicans controlled Congress. The new Democratic majority has given hope to immigration reform campaigners and president George Bush has promised to work with Congress to introduce comprehensive reform.
Among the most controversial issues is a proposal that undocumented immigrants seeking to legalise their status should first have to return home briefly. They would also have to pay a fine and prove that they can speak English.
Although most Democrats support immigration reform, the new Bill will need the support of some Republicans if it is to pass before the August recess. A delay beyond then could see legislation deferred until after the 2008 elections.
Mr Kennedy told the rally that he relished the battle to push immigration reform through Congress so that a Bill will reach Mr Bush's desk later this year. "This is basically an issue of defining our humanity, how we treat each other. I can't wait for this battle," he said.
New York senator Chuck Schumer thanked the crowd for "a great warm Irish welcome on a snowy Washington day" before shouting "Tiochfaidh Ár Lá".
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will lobby for Irish undocumented immigrants in the US next week when he meets Mr Bush and congressional leaders in Washington for St Patrick's Day celebrations.
Although the mood at the rally was upbeat and campaigners are more confident than ever of success, Mrs Clinton warned them not to underestimate the opposition.
© 2007 The Irish Times
for a link to the article on the Irish Times website click HERE.
by Denis Staunton in Washington
More than 2,500 undocumented Irish immigrants and their supporters braved a snowstorm yesterday to rally in Washington in support of reforms that would allow them to stay in the US legally and eventually apply for citizenship.
Dressed in green and white T-shirts with the slogan "Legalise The Irish", the mostly young demonstrators from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco and elsewhere spent the morning lobbying members of Congress in their Capitol Hill offices.
At the rally, which was organised by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR), a succession of senators and congressmen, including Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Rodham Clinton, spoke in support of immigration reform and urged the Irish lobbyists to carry on the fight.
"We are grateful to you because you are not only standing up for yourselves but for countless others who have no voice and cannot come here to Washington. You are making a strong statement about the importance of America remaining true to its values," Mrs Clinton said.
Democratic senator Edward Kennedy and Republican John McCain plan to introduce legislation in the next week that would allow most of the estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the US to remain in the country.
The Senate passed a similar Bill last year but it faced insurmountable opposition in the House of Representatives when Republicans controlled Congress. The new Democratic majority has given hope to immigration reform campaigners and president George Bush has promised to work with Congress to introduce comprehensive reform.
Among the most controversial issues is a proposal that undocumented immigrants seeking to legalise their status should first have to return home briefly. They would also have to pay a fine and prove that they can speak English.
Although most Democrats support immigration reform, the new Bill will need the support of some Republicans if it is to pass before the August recess. A delay beyond then could see legislation deferred until after the 2008 elections.
Mr Kennedy told the rally that he relished the battle to push immigration reform through Congress so that a Bill will reach Mr Bush's desk later this year. "This is basically an issue of defining our humanity, how we treat each other. I can't wait for this battle," he said.
New York senator Chuck Schumer thanked the crowd for "a great warm Irish welcome on a snowy Washington day" before shouting "Tiochfaidh Ár Lá".
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will lobby for Irish undocumented immigrants in the US next week when he meets Mr Bush and congressional leaders in Washington for St Patrick's Day celebrations.
Although the mood at the rally was upbeat and campaigners are more confident than ever of success, Mrs Clinton warned them not to underestimate the opposition.
© 2007 The Irish Times
for a link to the article on the Irish Times website click HERE.
NPR All Things Considered: Irish Immigrants Visit Congress to Ask for Rights
by Jennifer Ludden
All Things Considered,
March 7, 2007 · Several thousand Irish immigrants fan out across Capitol Hill, shaking up the stereotype of the illegal immigrant and lobbying for legalization. The demonstrators say they've come to America for opportunity and adventure — the same reasons as their ancestors. The difference, they say, lies in the current system.
After traveling from across the country for Wednesday's rally, the advocates received green and white T-shirts inscribed with the request "Legalize the Irish," along with small American flags.
Angela Kelley, of the National Immigration Forum, says the small group of Irish undocumented does point to a big issue: Fixing the immigration system isn't just about securing the border.
"Forty percent of the undocumented in this country came in legally," Kelly says. "They came in with visas, as students, as tourists, as businessmen. And they overstayed those visas."
Supporters say that's why a sweeping immigration overhaul is needed. A Senate proposal is expected soon, sponsored by John McCain and Edward Kennedy — perhaps the most famous great-great-grandson of Irish immigrants.
To listen to the report click HERE.
All Things Considered,
March 7, 2007 · Several thousand Irish immigrants fan out across Capitol Hill, shaking up the stereotype of the illegal immigrant and lobbying for legalization. The demonstrators say they've come to America for opportunity and adventure — the same reasons as their ancestors. The difference, they say, lies in the current system.
After traveling from across the country for Wednesday's rally, the advocates received green and white T-shirts inscribed with the request "Legalize the Irish," along with small American flags.
Angela Kelley, of the National Immigration Forum, says the small group of Irish undocumented does point to a big issue: Fixing the immigration system isn't just about securing the border.
"Forty percent of the undocumented in this country came in legally," Kelly says. "They came in with visas, as students, as tourists, as businessmen. And they overstayed those visas."
Supporters say that's why a sweeping immigration overhaul is needed. A Senate proposal is expected soon, sponsored by John McCain and Edward Kennedy — perhaps the most famous great-great-grandson of Irish immigrants.
To listen to the report click HERE.
Catholic World News: Irish, US bishops' agencies unite for immigration reform
Irish, US bishops' agencies unite for immigration reform
Washington, Mar. 7, 2007 (CWNews.com) -
Officials of the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants (IECE) met with lobbyists in Washington on March 7 to plan a campaign for reform of US immigration laws, for the benefit of undocumented Irish immigrants working in America.
...
Speaking on behalf of the campaign, Father Alan Hilliard reported that the IECE has helped to arrange lobbying visits with 110 members of the US Congress in the past year, sometimes coordinating the visits with other immigration-reform groups. “We will keep up the pressure,” he vowed.
to read the full article, click HERE.
Washington, Mar. 7, 2007 (CWNews.com) -
Officials of the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants (IECE) met with lobbyists in Washington on March 7 to plan a campaign for reform of US immigration laws, for the benefit of undocumented Irish immigrants working in America.
...
Speaking on behalf of the campaign, Father Alan Hilliard reported that the IECE has helped to arrange lobbying visits with 110 members of the US Congress in the past year, sometimes coordinating the visits with other immigration-reform groups. “We will keep up the pressure,” he vowed.
to read the full article, click HERE.
OceansFM: Harkin meets with Hillary Clinton in Washington
Harkin meets with Hilary Clinton in Washington
Sligo Leitrim Independent Deputy, Marian Harkin, has met this afternoon with US Senator and Presidential candidate, Hilary Clinton, in Washington.
Issues discussed included immigration, links between the European Democratic Party, of which Deputy Harkin is a member, and its American counterpart, and Senator Clinton's bid for the US Presidency.
Senator Clinton told Deputy Harkin that she supported the campaign underway to have the thousands of undocumented Irish in the US legalised.
Both are among those taking place in a huge march to highlight the issue, which is taking place in Washington around now.
Deputy Harkin says the support pledged by Senator Clinton is very significant.
To read this article on the OceansFM website click HERE.
Legalize the Irish!
Sligo Leitrim Independent Deputy, Marian Harkin, has met this afternoon with US Senator and Presidential candidate, Hilary Clinton, in Washington.
Issues discussed included immigration, links between the European Democratic Party, of which Deputy Harkin is a member, and its American counterpart, and Senator Clinton's bid for the US Presidency.
Senator Clinton told Deputy Harkin that she supported the campaign underway to have the thousands of undocumented Irish in the US legalised.
Both are among those taking place in a huge march to highlight the issue, which is taking place in Washington around now.
Deputy Harkin says the support pledged by Senator Clinton is very significant.
To read this article on the OceansFM website click HERE.
Legalize the Irish!
Microsoft's Bill Gates: US Needs to reform immigration
"Our immigration policies are driving away the world's best and brightest precisely when we need them most," said Gates.
To read the full article click HERE.
To read the full article click HERE.
The Irish Times: Undocumented Irish Rally in Washington
Last Updated: 07/03/2007 17:31
Undocumented Irish rally in Washington (from The Irish Times)
Paul Anderson
Up to 6,000 people were on the streets of Washington DC today to support a Bill that could give citizenship rights to many of the US's undocumented Irish.
Republicans last year blocked a Bill in Congress that would have loosened controls on immigrants resident in the US for some time obtaining citizenship.
But the Democrats took control of both Congress and the Senate in last November's Mid-Term elections and today are proposing a similar Bill once again.
The party is expected to propose offering green cards and permanent resident status to all immigrants in the US who can prove residency for more than five years and have worked in the past two.
The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) estimates there are around 50,000 undocumented Irish in the US.
The Bill, which would affect an estimated 11 million people, would also have a significant impact on hundreds of thousands of Central Americans - particularly Mexicans.
It is attracting heavy-weight political support with Democrats Edward Kennedy and Chuck Schumer; and Republican presidential hopeful John McCain due to speak at today's rally organised by the ILIR.
President Bush has already given a veiled signal of support for a change to the status long-term resident immigrants.
The issue is being seen by both Republicans and Democrats as a potential vote-getter in next year's presidential elections.
But there is likely to be significant opposition from the Republican right and Mr Bush has previously favoured granting temporary rights rather than a pathway to full citizenship.
In his latest State of the Union address he was coy, saying the status of immigrants needed to be resolved.
Republicans and Democrats clashed over the Bill which fell last year over the former's preference for guest-worker programmes that do not grant permanent rights.
The new Bill, again sponsored by Senator Kennedy and Senator McCain is aimed at appeasing the concerns of the Right by introducing tighter border controls and proposing guest-worker status for new immigrants while incorporating the liberal agenda of regularising the situation for illegals already living in the US.
Senator Kennedy said: "The only realistic way to re-gain control of our borders is to combine stronger enforcement with a path to citizenship for undocumented workers who are now here, and a realistic temporary worker program that includes the possibility of citizenship. "
The Bill, which has yet to be published, could be introduced on Capitol Hill as early as next week.
Irish independent MEP Marian Harkin will also raise the issue tomorrow when she meets with Democrat presidential hopeful Hilary Clinton.
Ms Harkin said the bill would be "vitally important for the millions of European citizens now living and working in America contributing to society and the economy in a valuable way".
"Many of them have families now and have settled down but still live in legal limbo," she added.
The ILIR will hold a meeting in Dublin next month.
To read the full report in the Irish Times, click HERE.
Undocumented Irish rally in Washington (from The Irish Times)
Paul Anderson
Up to 6,000 people were on the streets of Washington DC today to support a Bill that could give citizenship rights to many of the US's undocumented Irish.
Republicans last year blocked a Bill in Congress that would have loosened controls on immigrants resident in the US for some time obtaining citizenship.
But the Democrats took control of both Congress and the Senate in last November's Mid-Term elections and today are proposing a similar Bill once again.
The party is expected to propose offering green cards and permanent resident status to all immigrants in the US who can prove residency for more than five years and have worked in the past two.
The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) estimates there are around 50,000 undocumented Irish in the US.
The Bill, which would affect an estimated 11 million people, would also have a significant impact on hundreds of thousands of Central Americans - particularly Mexicans.
It is attracting heavy-weight political support with Democrats Edward Kennedy and Chuck Schumer; and Republican presidential hopeful John McCain due to speak at today's rally organised by the ILIR.
President Bush has already given a veiled signal of support for a change to the status long-term resident immigrants.
The issue is being seen by both Republicans and Democrats as a potential vote-getter in next year's presidential elections.
But there is likely to be significant opposition from the Republican right and Mr Bush has previously favoured granting temporary rights rather than a pathway to full citizenship.
In his latest State of the Union address he was coy, saying the status of immigrants needed to be resolved.
Republicans and Democrats clashed over the Bill which fell last year over the former's preference for guest-worker programmes that do not grant permanent rights.
The new Bill, again sponsored by Senator Kennedy and Senator McCain is aimed at appeasing the concerns of the Right by introducing tighter border controls and proposing guest-worker status for new immigrants while incorporating the liberal agenda of regularising the situation for illegals already living in the US.
Senator Kennedy said: "The only realistic way to re-gain control of our borders is to combine stronger enforcement with a path to citizenship for undocumented workers who are now here, and a realistic temporary worker program that includes the possibility of citizenship. "
The Bill, which has yet to be published, could be introduced on Capitol Hill as early as next week.
Irish independent MEP Marian Harkin will also raise the issue tomorrow when she meets with Democrat presidential hopeful Hilary Clinton.
Ms Harkin said the bill would be "vitally important for the millions of European citizens now living and working in America contributing to society and the economy in a valuable way".
"Many of them have families now and have settled down but still live in legal limbo," she added.
The ILIR will hold a meeting in Dublin next month.
To read the full report in the Irish Times, click HERE.
Irish America to Capitol Hill: Legalize the Irish
Unpleasant weather conditions of snow and rain did little to deter thousands of Irish Americans from all over the country who continue to arrive on Capitol Hill for a National Lobby Day and Rally in support of comprehensive immigration reform.
At this time, Irish Lobby for Immigration Supporters are being issued lobby packets containing scheduled appointments with elected officials and their legislative staff and embarking on a brisk walk led by a bagpiper from the staging area in the Washington Court Hotel to the Senate and House Office Buildings.
These grass (shamrock?) roots lobbyists represent several generations of Irish immigrants who have made successful lives in America and include many descendants of the Irish immigrants. They have taken this day off work to travel to Washington DC from across the country to voice their concern about the 50,000 undocumented Irish in America.
Their message is a simple one: Legalize the Irish.
At 2:00pm, numerous Senators and House Representatives will address the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform at a Rally at the Washington Court Hotel. The Senators and Members of Congress will be speaking, not only to the large crowd of Irish Americans in DC, but to 40 million Irish Americans across the country.
Their message will be simple too: Legalize the Irish.
Let's get it done.
At this time, Irish Lobby for Immigration Supporters are being issued lobby packets containing scheduled appointments with elected officials and their legislative staff and embarking on a brisk walk led by a bagpiper from the staging area in the Washington Court Hotel to the Senate and House Office Buildings.
These grass (shamrock?) roots lobbyists represent several generations of Irish immigrants who have made successful lives in America and include many descendants of the Irish immigrants. They have taken this day off work to travel to Washington DC from across the country to voice their concern about the 50,000 undocumented Irish in America.
Their message is a simple one: Legalize the Irish.
At 2:00pm, numerous Senators and House Representatives will address the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform at a Rally at the Washington Court Hotel. The Senators and Members of Congress will be speaking, not only to the large crowd of Irish Americans in DC, but to 40 million Irish Americans across the country.
Their message will be simple too: Legalize the Irish.
Let's get it done.
excerpt from Union Leader piece: John McCain: On Imigration...
The need to bring illegal immigrants out of hiding and end the defacto amnesty that is the status quo is more important than ever in this post-9/11 era of terrorist threat. But this effort must never entail giving away citizenship to those who have broken our laws. Rather it should require those who voluntarily come forward to undertake the hard work of reparation and assimilation that we expect.
Legitimate status must be earned by paying stiff fines and back taxes, undergoing criminal and security checks, passing English and civics tests, remaining employed for six years before going to the back of the line to achieve legal permanent residence status, and adhering to other strict requirements.
Such a program is necessary if we are to protect our country from terrorism and crime by enabling the Department of Homeland Security and law enforcement to focus their resources more effectively where they are most needed, and that is on those who choose to remain hidden because they mean to do us harm.
For the full Union Leader.com piece on John McCain's statement on immigration click HERE.
Legitimate status must be earned by paying stiff fines and back taxes, undergoing criminal and security checks, passing English and civics tests, remaining employed for six years before going to the back of the line to achieve legal permanent residence status, and adhering to other strict requirements.
Such a program is necessary if we are to protect our country from terrorism and crime by enabling the Department of Homeland Security and law enforcement to focus their resources more effectively where they are most needed, and that is on those who choose to remain hidden because they mean to do us harm.
For the full Union Leader.com piece on John McCain's statement on immigration click HERE.
Oceans FM: Harkin and Mooney to attend Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform Lobby Day and Rally in Washington DC:
Harkin and Mooney in Washington to attend march for illegal Irish
Mar 07, 4:58 am
The largest ever number of people are expected to take part in a rally in Washington this afternoon in support of demands that Irish illegals in the US be allowed to remain.
The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform will meet US politicians in a bid to introduce the necessary legislation.
Leitrim Senator Paschal Mooney and Sligo Leitrim Independent TD Marian Harkin are among a delegation of Irish policitians in Washington to meet with US Presidential hopeful Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator John McCain, Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama.
Speaking from Washington Senator Mooney hopes it will have an impact on legislation for Irish illegal immigrants.
To read this article on the OceansFM website click HERE.
Mar 07, 4:58 am
The largest ever number of people are expected to take part in a rally in Washington this afternoon in support of demands that Irish illegals in the US be allowed to remain.
The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform will meet US politicians in a bid to introduce the necessary legislation.
Leitrim Senator Paschal Mooney and Sligo Leitrim Independent TD Marian Harkin are among a delegation of Irish policitians in Washington to meet with US Presidential hopeful Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator John McCain, Ted Kennedy and Barack Obama.
Speaking from Washington Senator Mooney hopes it will have an impact on legislation for Irish illegal immigrants.
To read this article on the OceansFM website click HERE.
San Antonio Express: Undocumented Irish want U.S. immigration change, too
Undocumented Irish want U.S. immigration change, too
Web Posted: 03/07/2007 12:01 AM CST
Jennifer A. Dlouhy
Hearst Newspapers
WASHINGTON — As many as 4,000 undocumented Irish workers and their supporters are converging on Congress today to demand a broad overhaul of U.S. immigration laws.
With a rally and meetings with lawmakers, members of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform will press for legislation that would give undocumented immigrants a chance to work legally in the United States and eventually become citizens.
The Irish lobbying campaign comes a week before St. Patrick's Day and on the eve of a congressional debate over immigration. The lobbyists wearing green-and-white t-shirts stamped with "Legalize the Irish" may catch lawmakers off guard.
Celine Kennelly, director of San Francisco's Irish Immigration Pastoral Center, said the Irish activists are a reminder that the immigration debate is multifaceted — and not just focused on Mexico and Latin America.
The Irish lobbyists put "another face on the whole debate that people don't realize" is there, said Kennelly, who made the trek from California for today's rally.
"It makes (people) stand up and think about the other communities" affected by immigration, Kennelly said. "And if it's an issue for the Irish, who else is this a problem for? Who else needs to be a part of the debate?"
There are at least 12 million undocumented immigrants now living within U.S. borders — and most of them come from Mexico and Central America. An estimated 50,000 are from Ireland.
Many came to America on student, work or tourist visas but stayed in the United States long after they expired.
Kelly Fincham, executive director of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, said many of the undocumented Irish are working and paying taxes in the hopes that they may some day get the chance to live in the U.S. legally.
"We have a much smaller population than other groups, but we have a population that has been coming in through the years who would love to adjust their status," Fincham said. "There's a presumption out there that somehow there's a legal way for Irish people to come into the United States, but we're as badly affected as anyone else" by limits on immigration.
Once in the United States, undocumented immigrants from Ireland and other European countries typically remain underground. Kennelly noted they generally don't risk returning to Ireland to care for sick relatives or attend family events because they fear they couldn't get another visa to enter the United States.
"I stood beside friends whose parents have died and they couldn't have traveled home for the funeral," Kennelly said.
Sens. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., and John McCain, R-Ariz., are expected to introduce sweeping immigration legislation in the next two weeks, and the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to consider their bill later this month.
Their measure is expected to:
Offer some kind of system for most undocumented immigrants to work legally in the United States after paying fines. Ultimately, many also would have a chance to apply for U.S. citizenship, after years of legal work, paying back taxes and learning English.
Create a new guest-worker program aimed at allowing foreigners to fill low-skill jobs that U.S. employers have trouble filling with Americans.
During a rally near the Capitol, the Irish lobbyists will hear from a star-studded lineup of senators and lawmakers, including Kennedy and Democratic presidential contenders Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.
For a link to this article on MySanAntonio.com, click HERE.
Web Posted: 03/07/2007 12:01 AM CST
Jennifer A. Dlouhy
Hearst Newspapers
WASHINGTON — As many as 4,000 undocumented Irish workers and their supporters are converging on Congress today to demand a broad overhaul of U.S. immigration laws.
With a rally and meetings with lawmakers, members of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform will press for legislation that would give undocumented immigrants a chance to work legally in the United States and eventually become citizens.
The Irish lobbying campaign comes a week before St. Patrick's Day and on the eve of a congressional debate over immigration. The lobbyists wearing green-and-white t-shirts stamped with "Legalize the Irish" may catch lawmakers off guard.
Celine Kennelly, director of San Francisco's Irish Immigration Pastoral Center, said the Irish activists are a reminder that the immigration debate is multifaceted — and not just focused on Mexico and Latin America.
The Irish lobbyists put "another face on the whole debate that people don't realize" is there, said Kennelly, who made the trek from California for today's rally.
"It makes (people) stand up and think about the other communities" affected by immigration, Kennelly said. "And if it's an issue for the Irish, who else is this a problem for? Who else needs to be a part of the debate?"
There are at least 12 million undocumented immigrants now living within U.S. borders — and most of them come from Mexico and Central America. An estimated 50,000 are from Ireland.
Many came to America on student, work or tourist visas but stayed in the United States long after they expired.
Kelly Fincham, executive director of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, said many of the undocumented Irish are working and paying taxes in the hopes that they may some day get the chance to live in the U.S. legally.
"We have a much smaller population than other groups, but we have a population that has been coming in through the years who would love to adjust their status," Fincham said. "There's a presumption out there that somehow there's a legal way for Irish people to come into the United States, but we're as badly affected as anyone else" by limits on immigration.
Once in the United States, undocumented immigrants from Ireland and other European countries typically remain underground. Kennelly noted they generally don't risk returning to Ireland to care for sick relatives or attend family events because they fear they couldn't get another visa to enter the United States.
"I stood beside friends whose parents have died and they couldn't have traveled home for the funeral," Kennelly said.
Sens. Ted Kennedy, D-Mass., and John McCain, R-Ariz., are expected to introduce sweeping immigration legislation in the next two weeks, and the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to consider their bill later this month.
Their measure is expected to:
Offer some kind of system for most undocumented immigrants to work legally in the United States after paying fines. Ultimately, many also would have a chance to apply for U.S. citizenship, after years of legal work, paying back taxes and learning English.
Create a new guest-worker program aimed at allowing foreigners to fill low-skill jobs that U.S. employers have trouble filling with Americans.
During a rally near the Capitol, the Irish lobbyists will hear from a star-studded lineup of senators and lawmakers, including Kennedy and Democratic presidential contenders Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.
For a link to this article on MySanAntonio.com, click HERE.
RTE: Democrats to publish immigration plan
Wednesday, 7 March 2007 11:46
Democrats in the US Senate are expected to lay out their plans later today for comprehensive immigration reform.
At the same time, thousands of supporters of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform are expected in Washington for a rally.
Last year, a bipartisan immigration bill passed the US Senate but was blocked by Republicans in the House of Representatives.
Following victory in last November's midterm elections, Democrats believe they are in a stronger position to push through immigration legislation this year.
One of the architects of the Immigration Reform Bill, Senator Ted Kennedy, told RTÉ News that it would be a hard fought battle, but that he believed immigration reform could be passed this year.
He said he believes the mood of the American people has shifted on the issue and 'most people want a workable solution'.
It is estimated that there are almost 12m undocumented people in the US.
Democratic proposals are expected to be laid out in Washington later today. However, a bill is not expected to be published for at least another week.
Senator Kennedy is also scheduled to speak at a rally organised by the ILIR.
For a link to this article on the RTE website, click HERE.
Democrats in the US Senate are expected to lay out their plans later today for comprehensive immigration reform.
At the same time, thousands of supporters of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform are expected in Washington for a rally.
Last year, a bipartisan immigration bill passed the US Senate but was blocked by Republicans in the House of Representatives.
Following victory in last November's midterm elections, Democrats believe they are in a stronger position to push through immigration legislation this year.
One of the architects of the Immigration Reform Bill, Senator Ted Kennedy, told RTÉ News that it would be a hard fought battle, but that he believed immigration reform could be passed this year.
He said he believes the mood of the American people has shifted on the issue and 'most people want a workable solution'.
It is estimated that there are almost 12m undocumented people in the US.
Democratic proposals are expected to be laid out in Washington later today. However, a bill is not expected to be published for at least another week.
Senator Kennedy is also scheduled to speak at a rally organised by the ILIR.
For a link to this article on the RTE website, click HERE.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel: Irish to rally in Washington today for immigration reform
By Ruth Morris
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
March 7, 2007
The immigration debate has swept through Mexican canteens, Argentine bakeries and Caribbean music shops in the United States. Now, it has a new home: the local Irish pub.Thousands of undocumented Irish immigrants, including many in Florida, are joining the drive to grant legal status to some 12 million immigrants residing illegally in the United States.
In their most vocal demonstration so far, some 6,000 supporters are expected to show up at a Washington, D.C., rally today organized by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. They'll sport "Legalize the Irish" T-shirts and cast the bitter and polarized immigration debate in shamrock green."Everyone reacts the same way. They don't even understand the Irish have a problem with immigration," said Lisa Handley, of Fort Lauderdale, the Lobby's Florida delegate.
"We're just a small part of the immigration wave," she said. But given the way so many Americans trace their roots back to Ireland, she added, "We're a very significant part."The Irish presence puts a new spin on a movement largely associated with Latin-American immigrants, and pulls enthusiasm from important political allies, even though only about 50,000 undocumented Irish immigrants live in the United States. A smaller rally last year drew Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., both presidential hopefuls. McCain plans to attend today's rally, along with U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Miami.
The Irish began arriving in the United States in the early 1800s, working on canals and railways and in Pennsylvania coal mines. Potato famines at home spurred further migrations, which in turn made the Irish one of the largest groups of immigrants in U.S. history.More recently, special programs and diversity initiatives gave the Irish a leg up in visa lotteries. Those programs ended in the 1990s.
The Bronx-based Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform calculates just 2,088 Irish received green cards in 2005 out of a total of more than 1.1 million people granted residency.
Under the current system, advocates insist, the Irish ancestors of Presidents Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy would not have been able to legally enter the United States.
For the ful article, click HERE.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel
March 7, 2007
The immigration debate has swept through Mexican canteens, Argentine bakeries and Caribbean music shops in the United States. Now, it has a new home: the local Irish pub.Thousands of undocumented Irish immigrants, including many in Florida, are joining the drive to grant legal status to some 12 million immigrants residing illegally in the United States.
In their most vocal demonstration so far, some 6,000 supporters are expected to show up at a Washington, D.C., rally today organized by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. They'll sport "Legalize the Irish" T-shirts and cast the bitter and polarized immigration debate in shamrock green."Everyone reacts the same way. They don't even understand the Irish have a problem with immigration," said Lisa Handley, of Fort Lauderdale, the Lobby's Florida delegate.
"We're just a small part of the immigration wave," she said. But given the way so many Americans trace their roots back to Ireland, she added, "We're a very significant part."The Irish presence puts a new spin on a movement largely associated with Latin-American immigrants, and pulls enthusiasm from important political allies, even though only about 50,000 undocumented Irish immigrants live in the United States. A smaller rally last year drew Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., both presidential hopefuls. McCain plans to attend today's rally, along with U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Miami.
The Irish began arriving in the United States in the early 1800s, working on canals and railways and in Pennsylvania coal mines. Potato famines at home spurred further migrations, which in turn made the Irish one of the largest groups of immigrants in U.S. history.More recently, special programs and diversity initiatives gave the Irish a leg up in visa lotteries. Those programs ended in the 1990s.
The Bronx-based Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform calculates just 2,088 Irish received green cards in 2005 out of a total of more than 1.1 million people granted residency.
Under the current system, advocates insist, the Irish ancestors of Presidents Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy would not have been able to legally enter the United States.
For the ful article, click HERE.
from Ireland On-Line: Rally aims to push forward case for illegal Irish in US
07/03/2007 - 08:42:16
Up to 3,000 people are expected to attend a rally in Washington today calling for legal moves to regularise the situation of illegal Irish immigrants in the United States.
The demonstration is taking place while campaigners from the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform meet US politicians to discuss the situation.The US Congress is still in the process of debating immigration reforms that could offer hope of residency to many of the country's 11 million undocumented immigrants, around 50,000 of whom are Irish.
Fine Gael TD Paul Connaughton, who is taking part in today's rally, has said he hopes the Democrat victory in recent congressional elections will push forward the agenda.
For a link to this article, click HERE.
Up to 3,000 people are expected to attend a rally in Washington today calling for legal moves to regularise the situation of illegal Irish immigrants in the United States.
The demonstration is taking place while campaigners from the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform meet US politicians to discuss the situation.The US Congress is still in the process of debating immigration reforms that could offer hope of residency to many of the country's 11 million undocumented immigrants, around 50,000 of whom are Irish.
Fine Gael TD Paul Connaughton, who is taking part in today's rally, has said he hopes the Democrat victory in recent congressional elections will push forward the agenda.
For a link to this article, click HERE.
NY Daily News: For some Irish, its Erin Go Back
by JOHN LAUINGER
March 6, 2006
America has long been a haven for Irish immigrants. When the Irish Potato Famine of the mid-1800s changed the face of the Emerald Isle, hundreds of thousands of starving Irish sought a new start in America.
When America prospered in the 1990s, hordes of Irish crossed the Atlantic - some with papers, but many without - to improve their fortunes or find their fate.
But today, with the Irish economy the envy of Europe, and the United States cracking down on illegal immigration like never before, the situation is different - both for Irish who want to come to America and those already stateside.
Perhaps the most significant change is that Irish no longer have to leave the Old Sod out of economic necessity.
"The economy in Ireland is known as the Celtic Tiger because, for the last 10 years, it has been the most buoyant economy in Europe," said Debbie McGoldrick, senior editor of the Irish Voice newspaper.
Since Ireland is at full employment, McGoldrick said, Irish no longer face a sense of urgency to immigrate to America or anywhere else. "Immigration is something they don't have to do as they used to," she said.
For Irish who want to immigrate to America, getting a green card has been a tall order since 1965. In that year, McGoldrick and other experts said, the federal government abolished its regional quota system for issuing visas - a change that lumped Ireland in with the rest of the world and forced Irish-visa seekers to compete with the countless would-be immigrants in more populous nations.
"The lottery system does not favor the Irish," said Monsignor James Kelly of St. Brigid's Church of Ridgewood, Queens, who is also a lawyer and the coordinator of the Irish Apostolate in Brooklyn.
As for the Irish already in America, some have recently begun returning to the Emerald Isle. This reverse migration can be explained, in part, by the emergence of the Celtic Tiger, experts say. The Irish who go home are going home to jobs, McGoldrick said.
But the bigger picture reveals a post-9/11 America that is cracking down on illegal immigration and making it extremely challenging for undocumented Irish to earn a living and raise their families.
"Since 9/11, the walls have really closed down," said McGoldrick.
Many undocumented Irish have been forced to pack their bags and leave New York in light of the state's newly beefed-up procedures governing driver's license issuance and renewal, which now require a valid social security number.
"The driver's license thing is killing them," Kelly said of undocumented Irish (and other immigrants, for that matter), particularly construction workers and others who rely on their cars to make money.
In Queens, Kelly said, one can sense the shift in the Irish population by looking at the Irish pubs in heavily Irish neighborhoods like Woodside. "The Irish bars in Woodside are not throbbing with life like they once were," he said.
For a link to the article click HERE.
March 6, 2006
America has long been a haven for Irish immigrants. When the Irish Potato Famine of the mid-1800s changed the face of the Emerald Isle, hundreds of thousands of starving Irish sought a new start in America.
When America prospered in the 1990s, hordes of Irish crossed the Atlantic - some with papers, but many without - to improve their fortunes or find their fate.
But today, with the Irish economy the envy of Europe, and the United States cracking down on illegal immigration like never before, the situation is different - both for Irish who want to come to America and those already stateside.
Perhaps the most significant change is that Irish no longer have to leave the Old Sod out of economic necessity.
"The economy in Ireland is known as the Celtic Tiger because, for the last 10 years, it has been the most buoyant economy in Europe," said Debbie McGoldrick, senior editor of the Irish Voice newspaper.
Since Ireland is at full employment, McGoldrick said, Irish no longer face a sense of urgency to immigrate to America or anywhere else. "Immigration is something they don't have to do as they used to," she said.
For Irish who want to immigrate to America, getting a green card has been a tall order since 1965. In that year, McGoldrick and other experts said, the federal government abolished its regional quota system for issuing visas - a change that lumped Ireland in with the rest of the world and forced Irish-visa seekers to compete with the countless would-be immigrants in more populous nations.
"The lottery system does not favor the Irish," said Monsignor James Kelly of St. Brigid's Church of Ridgewood, Queens, who is also a lawyer and the coordinator of the Irish Apostolate in Brooklyn.
As for the Irish already in America, some have recently begun returning to the Emerald Isle. This reverse migration can be explained, in part, by the emergence of the Celtic Tiger, experts say. The Irish who go home are going home to jobs, McGoldrick said.
But the bigger picture reveals a post-9/11 America that is cracking down on illegal immigration and making it extremely challenging for undocumented Irish to earn a living and raise their families.
"Since 9/11, the walls have really closed down," said McGoldrick.
Many undocumented Irish have been forced to pack their bags and leave New York in light of the state's newly beefed-up procedures governing driver's license issuance and renewal, which now require a valid social security number.
"The driver's license thing is killing them," Kelly said of undocumented Irish (and other immigrants, for that matter), particularly construction workers and others who rely on their cars to make money.
In Queens, Kelly said, one can sense the shift in the Irish population by looking at the Irish pubs in heavily Irish neighborhoods like Woodside. "The Irish bars in Woodside are not throbbing with life like they once were," he said.
For a link to the article click HERE.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
IRISH LOBBBY FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM'S NATIONAL LOBBY DAY AND RALLY, WEDNESDAY MARCH 7TH:
There are less than 24 hours to go to the March 7 Lobby Day.
Irish American supporters of comprehensive immigration reform have already begun leaving California, Oregon, Nevada and Washington State to make the trek to the nation's capital, where about 4,000 people are expected to gather to lobby Congress.
Are you joining us tomorrow?
If so, please note that we have moved to a larger venue at the Washington Court Hotel, which is at 525 New Jersey Avenue, NW, just steps from last year's venue.
The agenda is as follows:
8.00am on: Arrival and registration at Washington Court Hotel, 525 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC
9.00 - 9.40am: Morning Session at Washington Court includes selected speakers on immigration reform
10.00am on: Lobbying begins on Capitol Hill
2.00pm: Rally begins at Washington Court Hotel, 525 New Jersey Avenue NW, Washington, DC
4.30pm and on: Buses depart for All Points North, West & South
IRISH IN AMERICA - THE FORGOTTEN IMMIGRANTS
Irish in America - the forgotten immigrants
06 March 2007
With St. Patrick's Day fast approaching, many people in the United States will proudly wear their Irish heritage as a badge of honor ... except for the estimated 50,000 Irish nationals currently living in the country illegally.
Before Ireland's current status as the economic envy of Europe, many Irish nationals left their homeland for America, the traditional destination for migrants since the mid-19th Century when the potato famine decimated the population.
However, since the 9/11 attacks and the surge in immigration from Latin countries, America tightened its grip on legally entering the country - leaving most of the legal routes into the country to marriage, family reunification, visa lotteries, and special worker programs with stringent caps.
Among those granted U.S. citizenship in 2005, only 0.002 percent were Irish ... an enormous drop from its past, considering that more than 34 million Americans can trace their ancestry to the Emerald Isle.
As Ireland continues its upward economic climb, many Irish immigrants (legal or not) are returning to their homeland. While the current prosperity and healthy job market in Ireland surely play a part, the U.S. chill towards immigration is not helping.
However, some Irish immigrants want to stay and are doing something about it. There are immigrant coalitions which include Irish interests intent on getting more visas issued to fill job shortages. They hope that their similar ancestry will give them an advantage in their cause - and they may be right.
Senator John McCain, despite his belief in stronger borders and immigration enforcement, showed up at a rally of Irish immigrants in Washington a year ago to show his support. Also attending was Hillary Clinton, who rebuked the House for passing a controversial bill by telling them not to "turn your backs on what made this country great." Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, recently sent a representative with a letter of support to an Irish event in her home district.
Whether such support will have any affect on allowing undocumented immigrants a path to legal residence is still up in the air.
The Irish can certainly identify with the plight of immigrants in the US. During the 19th Century, Irish immigrants were persecuted and discriminated against, something that many Latinos and Asians face in America's increasingly heated debate on immigration reform.
Click HERE.
06 March 2007
With St. Patrick's Day fast approaching, many people in the United States will proudly wear their Irish heritage as a badge of honor ... except for the estimated 50,000 Irish nationals currently living in the country illegally.
Before Ireland's current status as the economic envy of Europe, many Irish nationals left their homeland for America, the traditional destination for migrants since the mid-19th Century when the potato famine decimated the population.
However, since the 9/11 attacks and the surge in immigration from Latin countries, America tightened its grip on legally entering the country - leaving most of the legal routes into the country to marriage, family reunification, visa lotteries, and special worker programs with stringent caps.
Among those granted U.S. citizenship in 2005, only 0.002 percent were Irish ... an enormous drop from its past, considering that more than 34 million Americans can trace their ancestry to the Emerald Isle.
As Ireland continues its upward economic climb, many Irish immigrants (legal or not) are returning to their homeland. While the current prosperity and healthy job market in Ireland surely play a part, the U.S. chill towards immigration is not helping.
However, some Irish immigrants want to stay and are doing something about it. There are immigrant coalitions which include Irish interests intent on getting more visas issued to fill job shortages. They hope that their similar ancestry will give them an advantage in their cause - and they may be right.
Senator John McCain, despite his belief in stronger borders and immigration enforcement, showed up at a rally of Irish immigrants in Washington a year ago to show his support. Also attending was Hillary Clinton, who rebuked the House for passing a controversial bill by telling them not to "turn your backs on what made this country great." Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, recently sent a representative with a letter of support to an Irish event in her home district.
Whether such support will have any affect on allowing undocumented immigrants a path to legal residence is still up in the air.
The Irish can certainly identify with the plight of immigrants in the US. During the 19th Century, Irish immigrants were persecuted and discriminated against, something that many Latinos and Asians face in America's increasingly heated debate on immigration reform.
Click HERE.
Irish undocumented in America and their families in Ireland speak out on Ireland's Highland Radio
The phonelines of the Shaun Doherty show on Highland Radio were abuzz today with talk of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform's National Lobby Day and Rally in Washington DC on Wednesday March 7th and the upcoming Dublin meeting for family and friends of the undocumented scheduled for Saturday April 14th.
Irish Lobby supporters called from New York and family members of the undocumented in Donegal contacted Shaun to let him know they are deeply concerned about the Irish undocumented in America.
Thank you, Shaun, for allowing the undocumented Irish and their families to voice their concerns on your program.
By working together, on both sides of the Atlantic, we can Legalize the Irish.
Irish Lobby supporters called from New York and family members of the undocumented in Donegal contacted Shaun to let him know they are deeply concerned about the Irish undocumented in America.
Thank you, Shaun, for allowing the undocumented Irish and their families to voice their concerns on your program.
By working together, on both sides of the Atlantic, we can Legalize the Irish.
Monday, March 05, 2007
The Pipes Are Calling...
And Irish America is responding.Thousands of American Irish will visit Capitol Hill on Wednesday March 7th for the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform's National Lobby Day and Rally in support of comprehensive immigration reform.
Make history. Join the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform in DC.
For further details, click HERE.
excerpts from Irish Examiner report: Fears for hurling in Big Apple as immigration crackdown bites
05 March 2007 - By Diarmuid O’FlynnNEW YORK GAA Chairman, Seamus Dooley last night admitted he fears for the future of hurling in the US after falling numbers forced them to withdraw from the Ulster championship.
Dooley said the side which contested the 2006 Ulster SHC Final had lost 11 players, with two retiring from the game and nine returning to Ireland. He said that hurling is on the brink of extinction in his region due to tighter immigration laws and a lack of an underage structure.
“We would not have been competitive. It would be unfair to teams travelling out,” said Dooley of the decision to pull out of the championship. New York had been scheduled to host Down in the first semi-final of the Ulster Championship on May 20th.
Last year, the Ulster final was delayed for several months after New York failed to travel to Belfast to play Antrim, due to problems getting visas. The match was eventually played in Boston with Antrim winning the provincial title.
“Immigration is the issue, short and simple,” he admitted. “It is very hard to get work here without the proper papers and that is causing problems for a lot of people we would pick from.
***
“In the last five years, we have lost five hurling teams. Now all we have are Galway, Tipperary, Kilkenny/New Jersey and Offaly. “There is a big fear for hurling over here if the issue of immigration doesn’t open up. The problem is that there is such a small pick.
“Despite all of this, I really fear for hurling in New York if the immigration issue isn’t sorted.”
Dooley will be doing his bit to resolve the immigration issue this week as he heads to Capital Hill in Washington lobbying to get the McCain-Kennedy Immigration Bill passed through the US Senate. “The next couple of weeks will be very, very important not alone for sports but for business and for the Irish people here.
***
“Hurling will be just one of the aspects of Irish life over here that will be in dire straits if that bill isn’t passed. But I am confident it will be. But we need the Irish government to play their part.”
To read the full article, click HERE.
excerpt from Palm Beach Post editorial: Go beyond the Border on Immigration Reform
"Immigration reform has two essential parts: controlling the border and opening a way to permanent legal status."
To read the full editorial, click HERE.
To read the full editorial, click HERE.
from The Journal News Rockland County Briefing: Irish to rally for immigration reform
The Irish are gearing up for another immigration rally in the nation's capitol.
Members of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform have organized another rally in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., authors of an immigration reform bill, are expected to be there.
Buses are leaving from Woodlawn, Queens, Brooklyn and Monroe at 4 a.m.
Other contingents from Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco will attend as well.
Rockland residents wishing to secure a place on a bus should e-mail ilirnewyork@gmail.com or call 914-420-5894.
For more information, log onto the organization's Web site, www.irishlobbyusa.org.
For a link to this piece in New York's The Journal News, click HERE.
Members of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform have organized another rally in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., authors of an immigration reform bill, are expected to be there.
Buses are leaving from Woodlawn, Queens, Brooklyn and Monroe at 4 a.m.
Other contingents from Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco will attend as well.
Rockland residents wishing to secure a place on a bus should e-mail ilirnewyork@gmail.com or call 914-420-5894.
For more information, log onto the organization's Web site, www.irishlobbyusa.org.
For a link to this piece in New York's The Journal News, click HERE.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Washington Post Editorial: Immigration Reform Take 2:
Immigration Reform, Take 2
Learning the lessons of last year's debacle
Sunday, March 4, 2007; B06
ADVOCATES OF sweeping measures to reform the nation's broken-down muddle of an immigration policy are preparing to enter the fray once again: A new bill may be introduced in Congress as early as this week. This time hopes are high that the political map has changed just enough to make success a real possibility. Beware: Those hopes will be realized only if everyone involved in last year's debacle has drawn the right lessons from Congress's failure to enact a meaningful law.
What are the lessons? President Bush, who favored last year's Senate bill but went limp when it came under attack by anti-reform forces in the House, should note that passivity in the face of his own party's hard-liners is a prescription for further disappointment. Republican leaders in the House, who killed last year's legislation, should conclude that they gained nothing by trying to whip up the party base with misleading talk of an "amnesty" for illegal immigrants -- and probably alienated droves of coveted Hispanic voters at the elections in November.
As for Democrats, who have squabbled among themselves but now run Congress, they must take note of an opportunity staring them in the face. They have a chance to exercise leadership and score a victory on a major domestic policy problem.
The early signs are generally encouraging. The authors of the most realistic legislation in the last Congress -- Sens. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.), and Reps. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Luis V. Gutierrez (D-Ill.) -- are again preparing to introduce a bipartisan bill. As for Mr. Bush, he has also sounded the right notes by calling in his State of the Union address for a "legal and orderly path for foreign workers to enter our country," and for resolving the status of more than 11 million illegal immigrants already here, "without animosity and without amnesty." Still, the president's fuzziness is worrying. He did not mention a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the country in the State of the Union speech, and two of his Cabinet secretaries sidestepped it during recent testimony on Capitol Hill. It may be that their intent was to avoid, for now, inciting the hornets' nest of opponents to eventual citizenship. But without addressing the question frontally and without providing avenues by which the nation's underclass of undocumented workers may one day emerge from the legal shadows, the chances of an effective fix for immigration are nil.
To read the full editorial, click HERE.
Learning the lessons of last year's debacle
Sunday, March 4, 2007; B06
ADVOCATES OF sweeping measures to reform the nation's broken-down muddle of an immigration policy are preparing to enter the fray once again: A new bill may be introduced in Congress as early as this week. This time hopes are high that the political map has changed just enough to make success a real possibility. Beware: Those hopes will be realized only if everyone involved in last year's debacle has drawn the right lessons from Congress's failure to enact a meaningful law.
What are the lessons? President Bush, who favored last year's Senate bill but went limp when it came under attack by anti-reform forces in the House, should note that passivity in the face of his own party's hard-liners is a prescription for further disappointment. Republican leaders in the House, who killed last year's legislation, should conclude that they gained nothing by trying to whip up the party base with misleading talk of an "amnesty" for illegal immigrants -- and probably alienated droves of coveted Hispanic voters at the elections in November.
As for Democrats, who have squabbled among themselves but now run Congress, they must take note of an opportunity staring them in the face. They have a chance to exercise leadership and score a victory on a major domestic policy problem.
The early signs are generally encouraging. The authors of the most realistic legislation in the last Congress -- Sens. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.), and Reps. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Luis V. Gutierrez (D-Ill.) -- are again preparing to introduce a bipartisan bill. As for Mr. Bush, he has also sounded the right notes by calling in his State of the Union address for a "legal and orderly path for foreign workers to enter our country," and for resolving the status of more than 11 million illegal immigrants already here, "without animosity and without amnesty." Still, the president's fuzziness is worrying. He did not mention a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants already in the country in the State of the Union speech, and two of his Cabinet secretaries sidestepped it during recent testimony on Capitol Hill. It may be that their intent was to avoid, for now, inciting the hornets' nest of opponents to eventual citizenship. But without addressing the question frontally and without providing avenues by which the nation's underclass of undocumented workers may one day emerge from the legal shadows, the chances of an effective fix for immigration are nil.
To read the full editorial, click HERE.
Mickey Harte at the Heritage
Donegal's Mickey Harte, Irish singer and songwriter and 2003 Eurovision song contest representative for Ireland, will appear at the Heritage on McLean Avenue in Yonkers on Friday, March 9, 2007 from 10pm.The evening is planned as an opportunity for Irish-American community in Woodlawn to celebrate the anticipated success of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform's National Lobby Day and Rally in Washington DC on Wednesday, March 7th. Accordingly, there will be no cover charge.
busy Sunday
Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform volunteers and supporters in Legalize the Irish tee shirts attended the Coogan's Salsa, Blues & Shamrock Road Race in Washington Heights, and St. Patrick's Day Parades in Yonkers, Queens and Staten Island.
They are busy getting the word out just before the National Lobby Day and Rally in Washington DC on Wednesday March 7th, 2007.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
Congratulations, Big Tom
Congratulations to Big Tom and the committee of volunteers who worked so hard to make the New York dinner dance for the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform a great success.The large crowd represented several generations of proud Irish immigrants united and determined to Legalize the Irish.
Three special guests were honored for their extraordinary efforts on behalf of the undocumented Irish in America. Each honoree was presented with an award named for the deceased loved one of an undocumented Irish immigrant who, because of their immigration status, was unable to attend funeral services in Ireland.
Tim O'Connor, Ireland's Consul General in New York was presented with the Trevor "Topper" Chutes Memorial Award for giving the undocumented Irish in America a voice.
Joan Henchy, a Yonkers born and Kerry raised woman currently raising her family in New York was honored with the Elizabeth Hughes Memorial Award for her tireless fundraising and organizational efforts on behalf of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform.
John Duddy, Derry-born/New York-based boxer, was honored with the Ann McCann Memorial Award for acting as the champion of the undocumented Irish wearing his "Legalize the Irish" shirt everytime he enters the ring. Mr. Duddy was unable to attend because he is training in Florida for his fight on Friday, March 16th.
The night was a great way to prepare for the National Lobby Day and Rally on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, March 7, 2007.
Congressman Nadler: Legalize the Irish!
Congressman Jerrold Nadler addresses the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform Dinner Dance in Queens, New York.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Irish Times: Illegal Irish remain on tenterhooks in hope of immigration reform
by Denis Staunton
Sat, Mar 03, 2007
America:When graphic designer Deirdre Foy moved to New York from Dublin 11 years ago, she was just 24 and the world seemed to be at her feet. Sponsorship from a US company meant she could work legally, and when she decided to change jobs a few years later her new employer agreed to sponsor her too.
It was not until she moved to a third job in 2001, a few months before September 11th, that things started to go wrong. The attacks that day spooked her employer and the job fell through, leaving Foy with no job and no legal status in the US.
"It was about Christmas after 9/11 when I realised that everything was just a disaster," she said.
Next Wednesday, Foy will join thousands of undocumented Irish citizens from across the US in Washington DC for a rally in support of comprehensive immigration reform.
The timing is auspicious, as the Senate this week started discussing reform options that could allow an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants to remain in the US and eventually apply for citizenship.
Republican senators John McCain and Chuck Hagel and Democratic senators Edward Kennedy and Chuck Schumer are among those who have agreed to speak at the rally, which is organised by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR).
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton came to an ILIR rally last year and her rival for the party's nomination, Barack Obama, wrote in this newspaper last month in support of the Irish immigration rights movement.
Foy, who works as a freelance art director, acknowledges that she is in a better position than many illegal immigrants in the US. She still has a driver's licence and the nature of her work means she has little difficulty making a living.
She has not been back in Ireland, however, for six years and she says that the separation from friends and family is the biggest burden of her undocumented status. So, now that the Irish economy is so buoyant, why does she not just go home for good?
"I've lived in this country for so long and I love the lifestyle. I love the opportunities afforded to me even in the situation I'm in. My heart is here," she said.
Brian McKenna's four-week-old son Luke, who was born in New York, can grow up as an American citizen but McKenna himself has little hope of attaining legal status without comprehensive immigration reform. A plumber from Co Monaghan who now runs his own small contracting business, McKenna, who is now 30, came to the US on a visa waiver nine years ago and decided to stay.
He has no social security number and his driver's licence has expired, leaving him dependent on colleagues to travel from job to job.
Financially, he is doing well enough to own two houses and his firm employs up to six people at any given time.
For him, too, the inability to visit Ireland is the most painful consequence of living in the US illegally, and he argues that the immigration rules are especially tough on people who have not had a third-level education.
"There are absolutely no visas worth a damn for people with a trade - a plumber, a carpenter, anyone in that category," he said.
ILIR chairman Niall O'Dowd is "about 50 per cent confident" that an immigration reform Bill will be approved by Congress by the end of this year. He says the Democratic victory in last November's congressional elections has changed the climate in Washington for the better, but still believes that pressure from the Taoiseach when he visits the US later this month could be crucial.
"The Irish Government will hopefully reinforce very strongly the message we're bringing next week. You can't underestimate the power of that, because when the Irish Government speaks, their voice is really heard on Capitol Hill," he said.
For McKenna, progress on immigration reform in Congress this year will determine his future. "I can let it ride for a year or two but after that, if I'm going nowhere, I'm just going to have to get whatever I have sorted out here and move on," he said.
Sat, Mar 03, 2007
America:When graphic designer Deirdre Foy moved to New York from Dublin 11 years ago, she was just 24 and the world seemed to be at her feet. Sponsorship from a US company meant she could work legally, and when she decided to change jobs a few years later her new employer agreed to sponsor her too.
It was not until she moved to a third job in 2001, a few months before September 11th, that things started to go wrong. The attacks that day spooked her employer and the job fell through, leaving Foy with no job and no legal status in the US.
"It was about Christmas after 9/11 when I realised that everything was just a disaster," she said.
Next Wednesday, Foy will join thousands of undocumented Irish citizens from across the US in Washington DC for a rally in support of comprehensive immigration reform.
The timing is auspicious, as the Senate this week started discussing reform options that could allow an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants to remain in the US and eventually apply for citizenship.
Republican senators John McCain and Chuck Hagel and Democratic senators Edward Kennedy and Chuck Schumer are among those who have agreed to speak at the rally, which is organised by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR).
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton came to an ILIR rally last year and her rival for the party's nomination, Barack Obama, wrote in this newspaper last month in support of the Irish immigration rights movement.
Foy, who works as a freelance art director, acknowledges that she is in a better position than many illegal immigrants in the US. She still has a driver's licence and the nature of her work means she has little difficulty making a living.
She has not been back in Ireland, however, for six years and she says that the separation from friends and family is the biggest burden of her undocumented status. So, now that the Irish economy is so buoyant, why does she not just go home for good?
"I've lived in this country for so long and I love the lifestyle. I love the opportunities afforded to me even in the situation I'm in. My heart is here," she said.
Brian McKenna's four-week-old son Luke, who was born in New York, can grow up as an American citizen but McKenna himself has little hope of attaining legal status without comprehensive immigration reform. A plumber from Co Monaghan who now runs his own small contracting business, McKenna, who is now 30, came to the US on a visa waiver nine years ago and decided to stay.
He has no social security number and his driver's licence has expired, leaving him dependent on colleagues to travel from job to job.
Financially, he is doing well enough to own two houses and his firm employs up to six people at any given time.
For him, too, the inability to visit Ireland is the most painful consequence of living in the US illegally, and he argues that the immigration rules are especially tough on people who have not had a third-level education.
"There are absolutely no visas worth a damn for people with a trade - a plumber, a carpenter, anyone in that category," he said.
ILIR chairman Niall O'Dowd is "about 50 per cent confident" that an immigration reform Bill will be approved by Congress by the end of this year. He says the Democratic victory in last November's congressional elections has changed the climate in Washington for the better, but still believes that pressure from the Taoiseach when he visits the US later this month could be crucial.
"The Irish Government will hopefully reinforce very strongly the message we're bringing next week. You can't underestimate the power of that, because when the Irish Government speaks, their voice is really heard on Capitol Hill," he said.
For McKenna, progress on immigration reform in Congress this year will determine his future. "I can let it ride for a year or two but after that, if I'm going nowhere, I'm just going to have to get whatever I have sorted out here and move on," he said.
Donegal News: Cloughaneely Four Support the Irish Lobby For Immigration Reform
LIVING the American dream is becoming increasingly difficult for the estimated 50,000 Irish people who are illegal in the US. Thousands of Donegal people have left the county over the years to make a better life, flocking to cities like, New York, Boston, Philadelphia and San Francisco are now unable to make the trip home to visit family and friends.
Four young people from Falcarragh, now living in New York, are helping to lead out a campaign mounting pressure on the Bush Government to adopt a bill to legalise the Irish in America. Anna Ferry, from Gortahork, Paul Coyle, Falcarragh and Michael and Christine from Falcarragh will march on Capitol Hill, Washington this Wednesday as part of a mass rally organised by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR). They are hoping that their relatives and friends in Donegal will show their support at a planned ILIR rally in Jury's Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin on April 14.
Christine has been living in Yonkers, New York for the last four years. She left Falcarragh with her husband Michael in search of better opportunities and work. Fearful of the immigration authorities Christine has asked that their surnames not be published.
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To read the full report from the Donegal News, click HERE.
New York Times editorial endorses immigration reform with a path to citizenship for the undocumented:
THE PATH TO CITIZENSHIP
(published in the New York Times on Friday, March 2, 2007)
On Wednesday, Congress took its first crack at immigration reform since the great nothing of 2006. The Senate Judiciary Committee invited Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez to testify on the issue. With a new Congress and a new comprehensive immigration bill expected to be introduced in the Senate within days, the hearing could have been the first spark of a rejuvenated campaign by an alliance of Congressional Democrats, moderate Republicans and the Bush administration to finally solve a problem that has festered for too long.
It wasn’t. That’s because both Mr. Chertoff and Mr. Gutierrez slunk away from a central pillar of comprehensive reform: a path to citizenship that would give illegal immigrants — the ones who wait and prove they deserve it — the chance to participate fully and proudly in the life of this country.
Polls show that most Americans would let illegal immigrants get right with the law and become Americans, too, if they have clean records, learn English and pay back taxes and fines. Weighed against keeping the shadowy status quo or deporting 12 million people, a citizenship path strikes them as a proper blend of justice and common sense. Last year’s stalled Senate bill took this approach, and it will surely be central to any new legislation.
But the idea sticks in the craws of the members of a vocal, mostly Republican faction that wants every door to opportunity for illegal immigrants shut and locked, except the one marked “guest workers.” Those they would keep because they don’t mind having an underclass of docile, ill-paid foreigners who do America’s dirtiest jobs and then go home.
There is a place for some temporary workers in the American economy. But such programs are highly prone to abuse and are not a solution for the vast numbers of illegal immigrants already here.
Mr. Gutierrez and Mr. Chertoff enthusiastically talked up guest-worker programs on Wednesday, but pointedly left citizenship off the table. They could have been talking tactically, working at President Bush’s behest to soothe the passions of skeptical Republicans. But there must be a limit to the accommodations given to anti-amnesty ideologues. If Mr. Bush has the stomach to fight for the real reform he says he wants, he is hiding it well.
Mr. Bush said nothing about a path to citizenship in his State of the Union address in January. If he is too weakened to stand up for comprehensive reform, then Democrats and Republicans in Congress need to unite and do it for him.
To read the editorial on the NY Times website, click HERE.
(published in the New York Times on Friday, March 2, 2007)
On Wednesday, Congress took its first crack at immigration reform since the great nothing of 2006. The Senate Judiciary Committee invited Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez to testify on the issue. With a new Congress and a new comprehensive immigration bill expected to be introduced in the Senate within days, the hearing could have been the first spark of a rejuvenated campaign by an alliance of Congressional Democrats, moderate Republicans and the Bush administration to finally solve a problem that has festered for too long.
It wasn’t. That’s because both Mr. Chertoff and Mr. Gutierrez slunk away from a central pillar of comprehensive reform: a path to citizenship that would give illegal immigrants — the ones who wait and prove they deserve it — the chance to participate fully and proudly in the life of this country.
Polls show that most Americans would let illegal immigrants get right with the law and become Americans, too, if they have clean records, learn English and pay back taxes and fines. Weighed against keeping the shadowy status quo or deporting 12 million people, a citizenship path strikes them as a proper blend of justice and common sense. Last year’s stalled Senate bill took this approach, and it will surely be central to any new legislation.
But the idea sticks in the craws of the members of a vocal, mostly Republican faction that wants every door to opportunity for illegal immigrants shut and locked, except the one marked “guest workers.” Those they would keep because they don’t mind having an underclass of docile, ill-paid foreigners who do America’s dirtiest jobs and then go home.
There is a place for some temporary workers in the American economy. But such programs are highly prone to abuse and are not a solution for the vast numbers of illegal immigrants already here.
Mr. Gutierrez and Mr. Chertoff enthusiastically talked up guest-worker programs on Wednesday, but pointedly left citizenship off the table. They could have been talking tactically, working at President Bush’s behest to soothe the passions of skeptical Republicans. But there must be a limit to the accommodations given to anti-amnesty ideologues. If Mr. Bush has the stomach to fight for the real reform he says he wants, he is hiding it well.
Mr. Bush said nothing about a path to citizenship in his State of the Union address in January. If he is too weakened to stand up for comprehensive reform, then Democrats and Republicans in Congress need to unite and do it for him.
To read the editorial on the NY Times website, click HERE.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
excerpt from TIME Magazine's "Bush's Last Chance on Immigration:"
Thursday, Mar. 01, 2007
By Massimo Calabresi / Washington
People say a lot of things on the campaign trail, but when Texas Governor George W. Bush stood before conservative Iowa crowds in 1999 and talked about the urgency of immigration reform, it was hard not to believe he was speaking from the heart. "Family values do not stop at the Rio Grande," he said back then, and the felicitous phrase became a touchstone of compassionate conservatism for his campaign and his presidency. For Bush, making immigration fair and safe "is a matter of very strong personal commitment," says his spokesman, Tony Snow.
Bush is about to get his last chance to prove that that commitment is real. Immigration reform stands out as the unfulfilled promise of the Bush presidency, and as Congress prepares to debate a compromise bill in the coming weeks, Democratic leaders in the House and Senate say Bush's help is crucial. "We're going to need Republican votes," says Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate majority leader Harry Reid. "And we're going to need the President."
To read the full article, click HERE.
By Massimo Calabresi / Washington
People say a lot of things on the campaign trail, but when Texas Governor George W. Bush stood before conservative Iowa crowds in 1999 and talked about the urgency of immigration reform, it was hard not to believe he was speaking from the heart. "Family values do not stop at the Rio Grande," he said back then, and the felicitous phrase became a touchstone of compassionate conservatism for his campaign and his presidency. For Bush, making immigration fair and safe "is a matter of very strong personal commitment," says his spokesman, Tony Snow.
Bush is about to get his last chance to prove that that commitment is real. Immigration reform stands out as the unfulfilled promise of the Bush presidency, and as Congress prepares to debate a compromise bill in the coming weeks, Democratic leaders in the House and Senate say Bush's help is crucial. "We're going to need Republican votes," says Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate majority leader Harry Reid. "And we're going to need the President."
To read the full article, click HERE.
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