The Friends of Ireland leader in Congress, Congressman Richie Neal of Springfield, Massachusetts, sees immigration reform as a real possibility early in the New Year.
Neal was speaking to the Irish Voice during a visit to New York on Monday morning. He is also a powerful member of the Ways and Means Committee and a senior figure in the House of Representatives.
He especially pointed to the role of Congressman Luis Gutierrez, the Chicago area representative who has become a vital figure on the immigration issue.
Gutierrez has visited Ireland with Neal, has appeared at the lobby days for the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and has made it clear that he views the Irish as vital allies in the fight to achieve reform.
Gutierrez was especially impressed with the Irish lobby outreach to Republicans, which the Hispanic lobby has found difficulty in doing said Neal.
During the last immigration battle, Senator John McCain credited the Irish lobby with getting at least four Republicans to come onside for the Kennedy/McCain bill.
Gutierrez has met with President Obama on the issue on several occasions. Because both come form Chicago there is a deep and respectful relationship on both sides, according to Neal.
Neal believes that Gutierrez has been the lightning rod that pushed the Obama administration to announce efforts to push through immigration reform early in the New Year.
Neal states that there is widespread consensus that no deal can be done later in the year because of the 2010 elections.
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.MAGHNUS | Jan 05, 2010, 03:55 PM EST
Personally, I believe that the only people who should be allowed in Ireland are those who are Irish themselves or descendants of Irish, white original Irish...not Africans, not Muslims, not Indians. It disgusts me to know that my family's homeland has been invaded by these races and are complaining now of discrimination. They shouldn't even be there! If they don't like where they came from, then they should have stayed and helped make a change, not run away and made somebody else's country a filthy garbage heap like the one they left behind. The same goes for anybody else that wants to go to Ireland, tourists, etc. Ireland, as a whole, is nothing more than a people who want to be left alone and keep their culture and heritage in tact. Is it really that hard to understand? Apparently so. Personally, I believe that the Irish should give up the war in Northern Ireland and make peace with the British, only so they could have help in getting rid of all the worthless mooching immigrants who have implanted themselves in the country, and maybe they may have a good chance of restoring their culture and economy. Employment and education wouldn't be nearly as big a problem if the Africans, Muslims, Indians, and tourists we're all sent packing back where they came from. Ireland wants to be Free, and Ireland wants to be left alone. It's that simple. Erin Go Bragh!...Ireland Forever!
Meggie01 | Dec 23, 2009, 01:40 PM EST
How about making any new U.S. illegal immigration laws mutual? Any American citizens can just as easily claim Irish citizenship? No, you say? That would take jobs from the Irish? No kidding.
plasticpaddy | Dec 14, 2009, 11:23 AM EST
you got it!
U2rocks | Dec 12, 2009, 03:20 PM EST
I would like to ask all irish people to please support the cause for immigration reform and to please join the community Reform Immigration for America on facebook. We will need all the support we can get to pass this bill in 2010.