After House Republican Speaker John Boehner came out in support of comprehensive immigration reform Irish politicians have been making their voices heard on the issue which affects up to 50,000 undocumented Irish in the US and the future flow of immigrants.
Senator Mark Daly of Fianna Fail stated “This week’s U.S. Presidential election has made members within the Republican Party reconsider their stance towards undocumented workers.
“Hopefully a compromise can be reached to finally offer an amnesty for the 50,000 Irish in America who are undocumented.
Newry and Mourne Sinn Féin Councillor Pat McGinn said he feels confident that Barack Obama’s administration will move on comprehensive immigration reform.
He said “The President himself has recognized that the immigration system is broken and needs fixed. For the majority of people caught up in the nightmare of being classed as an illegal immigrant, there is currently no legal way to apply to become a resident/citizen of the United States. In his election victory speech he highlighted immigration as one of the issues he would address.”
He added “I along with all those who are working to highlight and address the plight of the undocumented Irish living in the USA, am committed to make sure that this is the last generation of Irish in America that has to listen to a family member’s funeral on the telephone. It is our goal that this is the last generation of Irish to be undocumented in America”.
Earlier this week Eamon Gilmore also stated that Barack Obama’s reelection to the White House brings new hope for immigration reform.
On Morning Ireland, RTE’s radio show, he said “Although that was mentioned in his first term, it didn't materialise at all. I think that is because there is a recognition in the US administration that investment is a two-way street.”
Similarly Ireland’s President Michael D Higgins said, in a letter of congratulations to Obama “The very close and warm relationship between Ireland and the United States has, with your help and encouragement, prospered during your tenure.
“I am confident that, under your leadership, our bilateral relations will be further advanced during the next four years.”
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.stanchaz | Nov 10, 2012, 09:48 PM EST
In our system, with he the balance of Congressional power the way it is: IT TAKES TWO TO TANGO. But...it seems that the Republicans STILL don't realize just who won the election. Wake up guys, and start to act responsibly!
Rebelforce | Nov 10, 2012, 12:52 PM EST
What a bunch of malarkey. The Political Establishment in the US---Demlican and Republicrat alike---have been pushing for an amnesty program, aka "comprehensive immigration reform" for years. John McCain was promoting an amnesty program before the 2008 election but there was such popular outrage among American citizens that they had to abandon the idea. The fact is corporations and Big Business in America have always liked lots of cheap immigrant labor in the country. Helps depress wages. There were lots of reasons why Americans chose the Democrats (who campaigned as the champions of the middle and working class) over Republicans (who campaigned as the champions of War and the filthy Rich). Promising an amnesty to people who enter the US illegally wasn't one of them.
Murph46 | Nov 10, 2012, 12:31 PM EST
Don't hold yer breath,he promised it in his FIRST YEAR!
Gaelicpiper | Nov 10, 2012, 12:16 PM EST
The headline says it all- Politicians want amnesty. The truth, a vast majority of citizens are against amnesty; politicians want it for their own political capital. It is all about pandering for votes. An amnesty will not benefit undocumented; beacuse, if an amnesty is passed the small number of Irish will forced to compete for jobs with million of third world hispanics. An amnesty would be devastating to Black Americans as well. If the idiot politicians pass an hispanic amnesty- BLOOD WILL FLOW when the body-citizen realizes what the politicians did to the Nation for the Politicians singular benefit.
Frosty38 | Nov 10, 2012, 12:04 PM EST
he sounds like he has had it with the REP lets give him a chance and see what comes out of it. Romnny would have done about the same
PhlutiePhan | Nov 10, 2012, 11:41 AM EST
Obama is a left wing Marxist who wishes to consolidate his power. His type of immigration reform will deliver more left wing votes. The very ominous tone is that 5 million more under 30 voted for Obama. The young only get younger. This is not the Democratic Party of JFK and RFK. It is the Democratic Party of Che Guevara and maybe the socialist Ireland of Gerry Adams will put up dual statues of the two followers of Marx and Lenin.
bobduggins | Nov 10, 2012, 11:24 AM EST
It's not the Irish we worry about. It's the people south of the border that are draining our resources with all the entitlements Obama is giving to them. We wish you would take Obama back to Ireland and keep him.
joan1954 | Nov 10, 2012, 10:33 AM EST
If immigration reform is going to be attempted, it will be for the illegal Hispanics since the Latino community voted for Obama in huge numbers. I would like to see the undocumented Irish be under this as well but Irish politicians (those in Ireland) need to be low key and let the Americans (Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform)handle it. If there is going to be true compromise in government both parties need to work together and quit their bickering. Immigration needs an full overhall but the when of the issue is the problem. The European equation to this dynamic must be included. It can't be a one-sided issue.