Armaghrifleteam
12-22-2007, 08:31 AM
Published: 21 December, 2007
http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/22654
Irish immigration reform for Irish in America must be a priority for 2008 - Ó Snodáigh
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has today described the thousands of Irish in America facing yet another Christmas unable to visit friends and families at home as simply wrong.
Deputy Ó Snodaigh said:
"The Christmas period is an especially difficult time for the undocumented Irish in America. There had been high hopes earlier in the year that the US Senate would reform immigration laws in time for the undocumented to remain in America thus enabling them to come home for the holidays this year. This did not happen.
"This is an issue that also affects people right across Ireland who have family members living and working in America whom they have not set eyes on due to the restrictions on travel enforced by their undocumented status.
"Politicians on this side of the Atlantic have an important role to play in pressuring the US administration to regularise the status of the thousands of Irish whose freedom of movement is presently restricted. A collective push by all political party's to end this wrong must be a priority for 2008.
"Sinn Féin will continue to lobby in the Dáil, Seanad, the Assembly and in our international work. This issue remains a priority for the party.
"The Irish in America must have their contribution to the country's society recognised and their status formalised. We in Ireland have a responsibility to argue their case to a successful conclusion. This wrong affects us all." CRÍOCH
http://www.sinnfein.ie/news/detail/22654
Irish immigration reform for Irish in America must be a priority for 2008 - Ó Snodáigh
Sinn Féin TD Aengus Ó Snodaigh has today described the thousands of Irish in America facing yet another Christmas unable to visit friends and families at home as simply wrong.
Deputy Ó Snodaigh said:
"The Christmas period is an especially difficult time for the undocumented Irish in America. There had been high hopes earlier in the year that the US Senate would reform immigration laws in time for the undocumented to remain in America thus enabling them to come home for the holidays this year. This did not happen.
"This is an issue that also affects people right across Ireland who have family members living and working in America whom they have not set eyes on due to the restrictions on travel enforced by their undocumented status.
"Politicians on this side of the Atlantic have an important role to play in pressuring the US administration to regularise the status of the thousands of Irish whose freedom of movement is presently restricted. A collective push by all political party's to end this wrong must be a priority for 2008.
"Sinn Féin will continue to lobby in the Dáil, Seanad, the Assembly and in our international work. This issue remains a priority for the party.
"The Irish in America must have their contribution to the country's society recognised and their status formalised. We in Ireland have a responsibility to argue their case to a successful conclusion. This wrong affects us all." CRÍOCH