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Why we’re thinking of the emigrants from Ireland this Christmas

Holiday season is the hardest time for separated families

PAT McGINN,

Published Friday, December 17, 2010, 4:30 AM

Updated Friday, December 17, 2010, 6:56 AM

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Over 65,000 Irish have already emigrated

Writer Liam Ryan wrote "Emigration is a mirror in which the Irish nation can always see its face” and those of us who have experienced working and living away from home particularly at a Christmas time know the raw emotions that can be experienced by many over the period.

It is important that time is taken to reflect on the impact of emigration on families, communities and society in general. A recent survey highlighted the fact that one in three Irish people aged between 18 and 24 are planning to emigrate in the next 12 months. Latest emigration statistics show that over 60,000 people left Ireland in the twelve months leading up to April, the highest rate since 1989.

The Christmas period is an especially difficult time for the undocumented Irish in America. Many people from this area have family members living and working in America who they have not see because of the restrictions on travel enforced by their undocumented status. It is imperative that the issue of the undocumented Irish in America and all the hardships that go with such status are resolved in a humane manner. The fear of not being allowed to 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. The issue of the undocumented Irish remains unresolved.

Our families, friends and members our communities are living under the continued threat of being demonised as felons.

A pathway to Citizenship must be found for them. Let us remain committed to ensuring that their plight and that of their families will be highlighted

So here’s to all our loved ones, friends, fellow countrymen and women, who for one reason or another find themselves away from home this Christmas. And when we toast them we must show due compassion and consideration for those from different lands and cultures who now reside within our communities. They too have loved ones and “homes” many miles away.

My own son who now lives in England put it so well when he reflected “I know that I am very fortunate to be celebrating Christmas in this way, but despite all of the attractions that where I am now holds there is one thing it isn’t, and that is home. For despite the comfort and cheer that I’m lucky enough to have, there is one thing that I can be absolutely certain of: I will be missing home and wondering what family and friends are doing back in County Armagh”.

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Searlit | Dec 19, 2010, 04:19 PM EST

cuddlybuddly, It breaks my heart, too, that those horses are abandoned and starving and freezing out there.

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Searlit | Dec 19, 2010, 04:16 PM EST

Sirpeter, It's nice to know that other people are aware of the growing inequity in what are supposed to be democracies. The idea that we're creating new democracies across the world... well, I don't have to spell that out for you. It's difficult facing what's really going on, but I couldn't choose denial. You make a fair point about communism,I hadn't really considered that effect. Growing up that was a frightening word. We didn't know what it actually meant, only that we better not ask either. This was at the time when many people were building their fallout shelters and such. Thanks for your comment.

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Smyrnian | Dec 19, 2010, 11:34 AM EST

Dublinjas is right. Those at home will soon forget you. Furthermore, if you achieve any kind of success they will forget you even sooner. It's been a very long time since I have heard anyone at home ever even mention those who had left and, in fact, they are rarely if ever thought of as part of the community, just read the parish community bulletins and newsletters that are popular this time of year; nary a mention. Just wait. You will see how you will be forgotten quickly.

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cuddlybuddly | Dec 19, 2010, 09:44 AM EST

Mother nature couldn't give a flying feck, puts a certain perspective on things eh..I respect it when things we take for granted get taken from under us...and equality for all life is more important to me than getting home for Christmas, what about feeding the ones who have no food- and not allowing a life sink below a certain level, that goes to the horses in the fields abandoned and in horrific distress...I'd rather a national horse rescue operation than another meal of meat,with family members who have allowed this country descend into greed and absolute disregard for human and animal life- when are we going to take responsibility? right now animals are dying alone and in misery...that's what they will take with them..how not one of us gave a damn..

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sirpeter | Dec 19, 2010, 09:18 AM EST

Searlit..All the first countries has changed dramatically,and your right those safety nets are been cut one by one.The middle class is constantly getting a hammering in Europe and the USA.Pure Capitalism is back on the rampage.I have a feeling Communism with all it's faults was the only thing that kept Capitalism somewhat in cheque for the last 90 years.From what i can see ordinary people are having to work harder and harder to make a living year by year.

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Searlit | Dec 18, 2010, 12:28 PM EST

beachline, I don't know how long your family has been here. The USA has changed , so much, in the last 30 years, it is almost unrecognizable, to me. It's become governed by uncontrolled greed. Safety nets that use to help people have been, all but whittled away. I hope that the young Irish emigrating here realize this. I don't blame them for wanting employment, though. I wish they would see, as you commented, that they could influence where, and what type of jobs are created in Ireland, if they stayed at home. The glamor and allure that was once America, has turned into the stark reality show. I love my country, yet, not her disease. May God bless us all. Merry Christmas!

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sirpeter | Dec 18, 2010, 10:46 AM EST

jamieLM.. Thanks man.Have a nice Christmas you too.I find it difficult to see Irish people leaving,because i know they are playing into the hands of some unseen force that wants this to happen,but you can never quiet find out where the problem is,but it keeps happening all the same.This unseen force wants to keep the population of Ireland as small as possible.Of this i have no doubt.In the next 10 years you will a drop in population again..The question to ask is WHY? What is it's PURPOSE? And who BENEFITS? To study Irish history is not enough,because WHO writes the history?WHO decides what Irish kids will know about their history.St. Francis Xavier “Give me the child until he is seven and I’ll give you the man”.Over here in Irish Schools it's give me the child until he is 17 and i will give you an Anglo Irishman. It doesn't work on everyone,but it works on too many. Until Irishmen/Irishwomen stop leaving and take to the streets and say NO!! we are not leaving, this is our home!!the rest of us who have jobs and are comfortable will do nothing if you just leave.

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beachline | Dec 18, 2010, 10:40 AM EST

Merry Christmas to all ! I have empathy for all emmigrants in the USA who are away from their native land. However, I was hoping the Irish would stay at home and fight for better jobs and more honest politicians. Why do we always think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence or pond?? Ireland is a small country that can fight to regain its sovereignity and its own currency. This can be accomplished by the young people if they stay and fight politically. There are natural resources available to be used for alternative energy, an improved infrastructure, and election of honest leaders. Stay at home young ones, and to the Emmigrants currently in the US--return home and stand up for your country. My own family emmigrated years ago, and every day they bemoaned the fact that they left Ireland. It was harder here for them than it ever was in Ireland.

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Aderianne | Dec 18, 2010, 12:00 AM EST

It is hard for me to understand why thousands of Irish Citizens in decades past stepped up and did the work involved in becoming American Citizens, and yet we hear very little of or from them. All we hear are this big bad America that requires all emigrants that really want to fully invest in America become citizens. Do you know that as an American you cannot stay in Ireland more than 4 months without registering with your government as an Alien, and that to becoming an Irish Citizen the requirements are much more difficult than becoming an American Citizen? We now have millions of undocumented emigrants in American, and we Americans are picking up the bill on the 'great life' they have here to the tune of sky high taxes, unrealistic health insurance premiums and health costs, and loss of jobs. Those living here as undocumented made a personal 'choice', and like many of this generation choose to now 'whine' about how bad they have been treated by the greedy USA as they drive their Mercedes to the Beach.

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jamieLM | Dec 17, 2010, 09:13 PM EST

sirpeter, I think you're a good guy and I do understand how difficult it is to see your countrymen/women emigrating. It's a very sad situation for all Irish - those who remain and those who feel they must leave. Wishing you a Merry Christmas.

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plasticpaddy | Dec 17, 2010, 05:34 PM EST

I wish more than anything that I could be at home!

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sirpeter | Dec 17, 2010, 03:14 PM EST

jamieLM..You're making me feel guilty now for my outburst.I guess i do have empathy for the people who are away,seeing that's it Christmas and all.I just hate to see people leaving Ireland.I really thought those days were gone.

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Dublinjas | Dec 17, 2010, 12:07 PM EST

Don't worry about friends back in Co Armagh, they will soon forget you, take it from me.

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killowen | Dec 17, 2010, 12:03 PM EST

Now its the limerick rubber... rubbish. The g0d's are angry - St Patrick's effort were for naught. What's next for the land of s...... and s......

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Searlit | Dec 17, 2010, 11:39 AM EST

What a beautiful poem. I could take one of them in, if they are in Connecticut. I hope the ones suffering difficulties back in Ireland get some assistance. Keep warm, and careful on the slippery ice.

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