Senator Mark Daly with Kieran C. O'Sullivan, Immigration Consulatant for the IPC after a recent meeting.
Irish Senator Hears Immigrant Stories
 
Senator Mark Daly (FF), Senate Spokesman on the Irish Overseas and Diaspora, visited the IPC Monday January 7th. We welcomed him to the Centre, and after introductions, staff done a presentation on issues facing the Irish immigrant population.

Frustration
We had also invited several immigrants to meet with Senator Daly. Each of them spoke about what it was like to live here document and undocumented and in some instances expressing frustration with the immigration dilemma and lack of government action. Senator Daly stated that his goal is to become more involved with immigration issues; to that end he is organizing a “Friends of the United States Parliamentary Group” alliance within the Dáil and Seanad member.

Immigration Reform – talks delayed for now
It was acknowledged that the present budget/fiscal talks in DC have delayed expected action on immigration reform. It is anticipated that as soon as budget issues are resolved, Congress might take up Immigration Reform again. News from Washington DC suggests that the Obama Administration is working on a very comprehensive overhaul of the current immigration system. We will publish more details here as they become available.

Marriage Green card cases
We continue to see marriage based applications for legal permanent residency at our monthly clinics at The Banshee each month. The adjustment of status package of forms submitted as part of the application is a difficult application to prepare, therefore, Immigrants are advised not to submit this package without a consultation with an immigration attorney.

Prison Visits
Fr. John McCarthy and Sr. Marguerite Kelly continue to visit Irish prisoners held in jails here in Massachusetts. If readers know of any people in detention and would like a visit, please contact us.

Free Legal Clinic
Our next legal clinic will be on Feb. 5, at 630 pm in the Banshee, 954 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester. If inclement weather is forecast, call the office for confirmation the clinic well go ahead if scheduled. Immigration attorneys will be present and will provide free 1:1 consultations. You may also call or email with any questions on visas, green cards and US citizenship.

Email me today with your immigration query or a topic you would like us to cover: [email protected]

Disclaimer: Please note that the information contained in it is provided to inform generally, and is not intended as a substitute for individual advice. Immigration law is subject to frequent changes and individual circumstances can affect the application of certain legal provisions. For individual legal advice, please contact the Irish Pastoral Centre directly regarding upcoming legal clinics or consultation with an immigration attorney.