The enduring Irish recession and uncertainty of a stable financial future is not deterring undocumented Irish and their families from moving back to Ireland in the coming months.
Some of the undocumented men and women currently living in New York spoke to the Irish Voice about their big decision to move home, especially in such turbulent times.
Due to the status of those interviewed, alias names will be used in this article.
Ava, a thirty-something emigrant from Co. Donegal, along with her husband and two children, is a few weeks away from packing their lives into a container and moving countries.
Ava came to New York 14 years ago and her husband 15. They met in the Bronx and are now married seven years.
“Living in New York has been the greatest experience ever and life has really been fantastic, but the realities of living life without a green card has really hit home,” shared Ava over a cup of tea.
“We are hitting our heads off a brick wall.”
Ava, who has worked several jobs through the years to make ends meet, feels a life without health insurance and no long-term pension is not creating the stable environment she needs for her family.
Her husband, like hundreds of Irish, is in the construction industry. Although business is good, every day is becoming a “little scarier without the right papers,” says Ava.
Both Ava and her husband’s driver’s licenses are about to expire, and driving illegally is not an option for them.
Ava, who cares for the elderly and young, feels they have finally seen the bigger picture.
“We are getting older and don’t have any security here, so Ireland it is,” she said. “What am I going to do, work here illegally until I’m 80? Moving home is the right decision for our family.”
Aside from being undocumented in the U.S. Ava said missing family is also a part of their decision to move back. “Not being able to see family frequently and missing events has always been difficult,” she added.
Since making the decision to go home Ava has been advised from both sides of the pond that the move is very risky, but it’s a risk they are willing to take.
“I totally understand people (undocumented) wanting to stay here for the long haul but it’s not for us, not now anyway,” she said. “It is hard lately to get work here without papers. A lot of the jobs I’ve come across require a Social Security number which I don’t have.”
So the decision to move back home was made at Christmas. Flights were booked in March, and Ava and her family will be home just in time for her first child to begin school in Ireland in September.
“We know things will be tough in Ireland but we are looking forward to a new chapter in our lives. I’m naturally nervous but I’m going to embrace the change positively,” she says.
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Jason and his partner Leah have been living in the shadows in Yonkers for eight years. Jason, a bartender, and Leah, a hairdresser, have “had enough” of being undocumented and are planning to move back to Ireland before Christmas.
“We’ve been hanging on and hanging on for years in the hope that there would be some sort of immigration reform and nothing has happened,” Jason told the Irish Voice recently. “We have good jobs, a great social life and a fantastic circle of friends, but being illegal isn’t for us anymore.”
Leah is on the same page as her partner. “We both have missed so many family weddings, and even a close family death occurred last year that we were unable to go home for. We sat down a few months ago and decided it was the best decision for us,” said Leah.
Jason worries about the employment situation in Ireland. “I know there are very few jobs over there so that is definitely something we have to accept. We are working very hard at the moment to save as much money to keep us both going for a year without working if it comes to that,” said Jason.
Leah is excited about the decision to move back to Ireland. “I have missed my friends a lot since moving here, and to be honest I feel I’ve overstayed my welcome. I often say to (Jason) that I feel
guilty for living in a country that I’m not legally supposed to be in,” she said. “It will feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders if I’m being honest.”
Is there a possibility between now and Christmas the couple will change their minds?
“No,” said Jason. “We’re committed to the decision and that’s that.” Sarah, who holds a degree in business from the University College Dublin, has been in the U.S. for five years. She held a visa for 18 months but then fell out of status.
“I hate being undocumented and I’m not doing it anymore,” she said affirmatively. “I tried so hard to get a second visa when my first one ran out but it wasn’t possible, and at the time things were getting bad in Ireland so I stayed here and worked in a bar.”
Sarah now works in an office but is fed up of her status. “I’m leaving in five weeks,” she said. “My sister is getting married so I made up my mind a few months ago and I’m very happy with my decision.”
Is she worried about finding a job in Ireland?
“For sure. I’ve a business degree and so do half the people on the dole, but if it comes to it my family own a restaurant and it’s surviving so I’ll pick up a few shifts there to tie me over for a
while,” said Sarah.
In the meantime, Sarah has a couple of going away parties to look forward to and hopes someday to be able to come back and visit “the lifelong friends” she made while living in New York.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.Springfield9 | Sep 15, 2011, 10:19 AM EDT
Thee are 20,000,000 uneducated Mexicans floating around. Even at Industrial rates it would take 14 years to truck them all back. Homeland security is going after Visa violators???? Well, that means Obama's family is on the next boat.
giorgiob | Jul 10, 2011, 10:33 AM EDT
To mr. Bunkerhill and all those people out there who believes that illegal aliens are here in the U.S on welfare, to get things straight if you are here in the U.S illegally you cannot get any of the following social benefits: food stamps, welfare checks, unemployment, section 8 housing, medicaid, SSI, SSD and after 9/11, State's IDs and driver licence. To conclude, in 2011 most if not all people living off the government are in fact born and raised in America.
hooligan6a | Jul 07, 2011, 04:48 PM EDT
Good, now if all of the illegal Chinese, Russian, Mexican, Canadian, etc, will follow suit maybe we can put some Americans back to work.
Bomar22 | Jul 07, 2011, 04:35 PM EDT
When uncontrolled immigration is allowed in any country it will attract a lot of undesirables to immigrate illegally. A lot of these illegal immigrants come for less than honorable reasons. They come to scam the welfare system, to live a criminal lifestyle or to take advantage of a countries generosity. When countries lose control of who enters their country the standard of living falls for the rest of its citizens.
GeorgeDillon | Jul 07, 2011, 04:04 PM EDT
Oaklongan: What you say is sad but true. It's depressing to read the Irish newspapers on line. Even today's Irish newspaper has more violence by immigrants in Ireland: "A mob went on a wave of random race violence in Temple Bar, which left five Dubliners with horrific injuries. One man -- a Dublin DJ -- was almost killed in the attack as he suffered serious head injuries when he was set upon by the gang. The level of violence has shocked gardai and the many witnesses to the race hate orgy -- believed to be the first of its kind in the city. One member of the African gang was arrested today in pre-dawn raids by detectives across the capital. Five Dubliners, all aged in their 20s, were left with horrific injuries in the October 2010 attacks, which have only come to light now. "
bunkerhill | Jul 07, 2011, 02:20 PM EDT
In past Irish history it used to be signs on businesses saying "Irish need not apply." Today it is posted across the USA. My home state is on the Canadian border and I can tell you there is one group that lines up every night to enter the US illegally with impunity. The border stations if you can believe it are closed from midnight to 6 am. Minutes after midnight busloads of Russians and Israelis make their way down to the NYC area and they seem to have plenty of money. They then move into exclusive areas in the NYC area and set up enclaves which no one else can enter. It was even written about in our local paper but not one word is spoken about this secret. How can this be in the US of A? Every illegal alien problem is centered to our southern border, while the real problem is at the northern border. Every politician knows about this huge influx, but the money is too good so they are very silent. These illegal immigrants from Russia and Israel, while controlling the diamond market, (and the UK) often live on welfare. Again every politician knows this but again the money is too good. I would say to the Irish who were forced to enter the US illegally, go back to your beautiful homeland and keep you country and culture alive. The international banks will be caught, Ireland will recover and Ireland will belong to the Irish. I am ashamed that my country has an "Irish need not apply sign." Maybe we will join you if the Irish would have us.
Reilleyfam | Jul 07, 2011, 01:37 PM EDT
Whether you are Mexican or Irish or Martian- if you are in the USA illegally you need to LEAVE. The best thing an Irish-American can do for the Irish is to help make IRELAND a better place not bring more illegals to an already overburdened USA.
rpmschevy | Jul 07, 2011, 01:21 PM EDT
They are not undocumented, they are illegal. Get the facts straight. They broke the laws of the land. They have stolen from America and Americans.
oaklongan | Jul 07, 2011, 03:12 AM EDT
All the posts on immigration of people into Ireland who are incompatible, and worse, with the culture of its people and land is utterly dismaying...
Phaenius | Jul 06, 2011, 09:08 PM EDT
mamaginnty, I mention Vargus because he was Filipino, and I do not think it fair to pick just on those Hispanics coming over the border within 400 miles of me, only to see Filipinos, making up a majority of my extended family, doing the same. I mention gay because I spent two days and today debating someone concerning church was wrong on gay issue, only to have my comments purged...basically for them being reasonable. I have on the white side of my family, a gay person who has given his immediate family Hell on earth...even when much mercy was spent. He bought into the enslaving concept that his homosexuality was genetic...well if his homosexuality was not genetic his HIV now certainly is...that is where the virus attaches. Mamaginnty are you Filipino?
imeldarice | Jul 06, 2011, 07:57 PM EDT
Would any of them like to buy a house on the Offaly/Roscommon/Westmeath border. 4 bed on 1 acre including contents excellent condition. for lesst than 200k
cillowen | Jul 06, 2011, 07:29 PM EDT
with their irish born subjects the brits know full well how their american colonies were lost. Their king wailed at his loss. Yet for this irish contribution they are treated like any other johnny come lately and are sent a packing from the america that came into being due to Irish hatred of oppressor England. Of course today with little history to draw from, the USA cleaves to the Saxon Mother for meaning. Only nice thing about it, now oligarchs hold sway and keeps things tidy for themselves and their tribe.
mamaginnty | Jul 06, 2011, 07:13 PM EDT
PHaeniUS, I see now the real reason why you mentioned Vargus, you are against gay people.
Chiefjustice | Jul 06, 2011, 05:27 PM EDT
Five years service in The US ARMY Got my Grand Father his Papers. It wasent as much fun as working in a BAR. And for the rest of his life he lived and died an American. Nuff said.
HogansHeroes | Jul 06, 2011, 05:06 PM EDT
Best of luck to those leaving or staying. The Irish are beautiful people,who add class and a good work ethic when they come to N. America. Don't rule out Canada as a place to live. We need more Irish in Vancouver !!
timbobdennehy | Jul 06, 2011, 05:01 PM EDT
i would,nt let anyone in to ireland for forseeable future,until at least ireland has proper controls in place and being run by someone who is not corrupt. we have,nt got the facilities to accommodate immigrants from that big ole continent of africa and all their relations.americans could add to ireland with knowledge,africa can,t.
FatherVol | Jul 06, 2011, 04:48 PM EDT
It doesn't made how many cards are available. Immigration should bedone the same way by all...legally. Not to do so makes you a criminal teh moment you arrive. I work with immigrants every day and most of them are NOT using legally obtained Tax ID numbers. Thousands may have legitimate tax I.D. numbers, but they are few compared to teh millions who do not. And, I personally know of two men who belong to my parish that have been deported only to show up here again within three weeks. Try, try again, I guess.
antoman | Jul 06, 2011, 04:44 PM EDT
Free Cheese.
2011Hope | Jul 06, 2011, 04:34 PM EDT
I'm weary of people saying the undocumented should have emigrated here legally when in fact there are so few legal options, particularly for the Irish who get less than 200 out of 50,000 Green Cards available through the Diversity Visa Lottery each year. If you make a statement like that, please expand on your knowledge of U.S. immigration law and outline the options to work and live here legally. In response to another comment based also on ignorance, thousands of undocumented people living here pay their taxes using a Tax ID acquired in their own name and not necessarily by stealing somebody's SS number. I wish people would know the facts before making such stupid statements.
Phaenius | Jul 06, 2011, 04:28 PM EDT
Legally, I have nearly 100 Filipino relatives here in America and I am proud they are doing what is right in getting here and staying here and truly participating in society to the benefit of that society. Concerning Vargus, they do not need a token criminal to either emulate (for those relatives who still desire to come here) or to overcome the influence of when folk look at even MY relatives, wondering if they are also illegal. If this boy came here illegal and reached the age of majority, then he should go home as soon as he reached that age, and use whatever talents he may have obtained for the benefit of the Philippines. But he stayed here and debouched, practicing homosexuality (no homosexual is that way by genetics, no matter how effeminate [or the opposite for lesbian] they might be) which is a choice and in reality a death style as opposed to a life style. Mamaginnty, he is no longer 12 years old. He has no credibility and he is a drain on our current immigration system. Most immigrants coming here legally are great people, eager for entrepreneurial experience, and are grateful, and you have to go into their descendents several generation deep to eventually begin to see the sense of entitlement and laziness when these find poor companions, having been doted upon to the point of being spoiled rotten.
jflanagan | Jul 06, 2011, 04:03 PM EDT
I've always been for expanding the Immigration to correctly record, check medical and background history, and welcome more legal immigrants into the country. Hopefully, something will be done in the not too distant future so Illegals who have moved back to their own country can try and enter legally with respect for our laws.
mamaginnty | Jul 06, 2011, 04:00 PM EDT
G.DILLON, bad post, this story is about undocumented people in America, but no, you cannot comment on the country you live in, no you always, any chance you can get, run down Ireland and the irish, don't you care about the country you live in, just leave Ireland alone, I cannot count how many people on this site have told you the same. I am glad these people are coming back to the homeland. PHaeniUS, why pick on one person, he was 12 years old for god sake.
ngray46 | Jul 06, 2011, 02:07 PM EDT
Teador, you said illegals who don't have a rap sheet and have been working here and paying taxes should be allowed citizenship. If these "illegals" have been paying taxes, they are using SOMEONE'S social security # illegally. That is identity theft. Those wages were paid using a stolen soc sec #. Say the REAL owner of the # earned $50,000 and the "illegal" using the stolen # earned $30,000, then that LEGAL is reported to IRS as earning a total of $80K. The Legal has to hire attorney and PROVE they didn't work 40 hr week in AZ as a female paralegal while simultaneously working as as a male ditch digger in NJ. The "illegal" filed a false IRS return which is a felony. Why would you say they should get considered for citizenship? There are illegals using soc sec numbers stolen for infants. They pay taxes and also destroy credit for that soc sec #. How in your opinion is identity theft not a serious crime? UNDOCUMENTED people have NO way to legally work and pay taxes. They STEAL your identity and gladly pay a few dollars taxes to get employment. IDENTITY THEFT IS A CRIME
feeneycj | Jul 06, 2011, 01:15 PM EDT
good luck to them and wishes for a happy homecoming.
Nicomax | Jul 06, 2011, 01:04 PM EDT
This is clearly a 'goose and gander' analogy. But as you can see there is more sympathy for the lads and lasses from the Emerald Isle working in Boston or New York air-conditioned offices, than for Juan and Juanita picking strawberries in the Central Valley today in 106 degree temps.
BrendanDunphy | Jul 06, 2011, 12:30 PM EDT
"Undocumented" is a softer word for "illegal". I admire those that have openly stated and acknowledged that they are here illegally. It is integrity like that should be taken into consideration when treating immigrants in our post-911 world.
donal1951 | Jul 06, 2011, 12:22 PM EDT
The illegal immigrants from Ireland who've been in the USA for 14 years have not applied for U.S. citizen because American law forbids them to as they entered the USA illegally. Yes, as a rule, Irish immigrants pay their way but we cannot say, yes, we will allow in all the Irish, Brits, Scots, etc., but keep Latinos and Africans out. I have asked my Irish cousins, all of whom own property and have jobs in Eire, to tell their friends the USA is unwelcoming to illegals of any nationality.
GeorgeDillon | Jul 06, 2011, 12:18 PM EDT
Teadoir: Good post. A lot of what you say applies to Ireland also. One difference is that the problem over there isn't with "illegals", since Ireland makes pretty much everyone legal. But right now there is a big crime wave with immigrants. Just a couple from this week's news: A Polish guy convicted of raping a woman, an Indian guy accused of drugging and raping two women, a woman from Togoland (now what the hell is she doing in Ireland) accused of throwing boiling oil on a cop who went to her (rent-subsidized) home to break up a fight she was having with her lover. Plus the usual Chinese and Vietnamese drug pushers, Roma shoplifters Etc. Etc. One in three inmates in Irish jails is a foreigner, and the way it's going, it looks like there'll be no room for the Irish in their own jails!
teadoir | Jul 06, 2011, 11:29 AM EDT
We need immigration reform in this country to document people who are trying to contribute to our society and make a better life for their families. I recently had a friend whose daughter was murdered by an illegal from Columbia living in Atlanta, turns out his dad who assisted in burning her in the trunk of her car......He had a long rap sheet in Columbia and is a known drug dealer in Atlanta, of course the authorities didn't know this because he entered illegally and was UNDOCUMENTED along with marrying a US Citizen (while his existing wife was back in Columbia) to try and fraud the system..... Most of our issues along with the drug problems are coming from South of the border, not the Irish coming thru NY and Canada.... The Latino gangs are putting people on planes to the US so building bigger walls on the border isn't going to help or sending them back once we catch them.....If you enter the country illegally and have a rap sheet we should brand you and your accomplices forehead with the words ILLEGAL CRIMINAL so everyone can identify you when crossing the border again, if you don't have a rap sheet have been paying taxes while here illegally we should grant clemency and swear you in as citizen immediately after the background checks clear.....
OleSarge | Jul 06, 2011, 11:11 AM EDT
they are not undocumented, they are illegal. they need to go back. 14 years and no green card and no citizenship. So sorry, to bad, My grandparents ( all four) came through Ellis Island, and worked to get their citizenship. Are you telling us that today's Irish aren't as hard working as my grand parents?
seagreen | Jul 06, 2011, 10:02 AM EDT
Times and demographics have changed in the US, Thirty years ago, the people that were likely in charge of Immigration and Green Cards had names like Francis X Corrigan, or John W O'Connor. Nowadays It is more likely to be Gary Suzuki, David Rodriguez, or Orren Smith. As a result , the Irish have lost the wink and a nod benefit that was in place for so long, and there is little if any preference for them to acquire status while competing with thousands of others. If you have $400,000 to invest, You can fast track toward the Green Card coming in through prograams based in Mongomery (Jay Peak VT) or a few other northern tier locations, but otherwise, its going to be a difficult time. In reality, the people going back may be doing the right thing, because being honest and objective, the US is in for some real bad times down the road after all the B/S is seen through, and the realization hits that we gave away the store to a few people, and now we are in big trouble....
Phaenius | Jul 06, 2011, 09:53 AM EDT
At least THESE undocumented workers are doing the righteous thing and going home, unlike the TNT Filipino Vargus who is holding up his Ill won Pulitzer prize as some sort of crucifix against the hex of deportation. This sort of thing tends to dishonor all Filipinos even though most of my Filipino family came here the right way. I hope we can place the secure border to hold back the flood of Hispanic and others coming across our southern border so that these very ones going back can return in a right manner and take their place of contributing to our American society. The illegal influx always trumps the rightous attempts of many others coming into America the right way, and I am tired of it.
gaeilgesdamhsa | Jul 06, 2011, 09:49 AM EDT
Good for them! I admire their courage and honesty.
Trealach | Jul 06, 2011, 09:47 AM EDT
Both are making the right move. It won't be easy for them when they arrive home, but at least they can be certain that they will have free healthcare and if needed will receive a welfare allowance. It's a lot easier to be poor and hungry in their own home, than it is in a foreign country.
WoundedKnee | Jul 06, 2011, 09:38 AM EDT
This is double good news. First, it's good for US that illegal aliens are leaving our shores. Second. it's good for Irish people to return to their homeland, the land of countless generations of their forefathers. I wish them well. What a good attitude they have, compared to the welfare sharks from Africa and Eastern Europe who are now infesting Ireland. The young lady said: "I feel guilty for living in a country that I’m not legally supposed to be in." I wish we could give such a person a Green Card, her attitude is admirable, but Ireland will be the better for her presence.