Children of ‘undocumented’ Irish parents get US work permits boost
Reacting to news from America that Irish people who were brought to the US as children with their undocumented Irish parents can now apply for work permits Fews Sinn Féin councillor Pat McGinn said,
“This is a welcome development which will give a fresh impetus to the broader issues relating to the plight of tens of thousands of Irish living in America but deemed as illegal citizens.
“President Obama’s administration has introduced the “Deferred action for Childhood Arrivals” which hopefully will give the chance to many qualified young adults, the children of undocumented immigrants, to be granted work permits and avoid deportation. However there are stringent requirements and lots of red tape involved in the costly process.”
The Sinn Féin Councillor also echoed recent comments from New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg who has called for a Presidential debate on immigration.
“President Obama’s initiative is controversial and Republican Presidential Candidate Romney could scrap it if elected. The US is now in full election mode, and the issue of Immigration is a hot potato. However it was good to hear Mayor of New York Michael Bloomburg calling for a Presidential Debate on immigration. I believe such a debate is essential.”
“There have unfortunately been far too many “false dawns”, the most recent being the proposed E3 visa for Irish immigrants which would have allowed 10,000 Irish people to work legally in the US. The Bill gained support from 53 senators but lacked endorsement from Republicans and has since been shelved.”
McGinn added, “It is imperative that there is a renewed impetus to the campaign to push for better rights for the undocumented and a route to full citizenship both here in Ireland and in America.”
Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=21506