07/12/2007

Kennedy And Ahern To Discuss Irish Immigrants

The status of undocumented Irish immigrants in the USA is to be the subject of discussions between the Irish Taoiseach and US Senator Ted Kennedy, this afternoon.

The issue of illegal Irish immigrants in America has been regularly raised at a number of levels in the US administration and today Bertie Ahern says the issue is being raised again during a telephone conversation.

The discussion will cover a number of other issues as well as that of Irish immigration.

Despite regular crackdowns by the US Immigration and Naturalisation Service on the many nationalities living and working illegally in the USA, the country remains a huge draw for Irish people seeking a new life and opportunities.

But, the issue is complex, with some recent efforts by the US Congress to regularise the status of all illegal immigrants failing due to opposition from some politicians.

Irish support groups for the estimated 50,00 to 60,000 undocumented Irish citizens in the United States are now seeking what has been described as a 'special deal' for Irish people, but one problem is that it would exclude immigrants from Mexico and other countries.

(BMcC)

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