Ahern Asks Congress To Give Irish Immigrants Permanent Status

In a momentous speech in Washington, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern yesterday asked the joint meeting of the US congress to "find a solution" to the many Irish immigrants living illegally in America.

He implored both houses of American power to "address the implications and to regulate the status" for Irish immigrants.

Mr Ahern spoke on Capitol Hill of "the enduring bonds of friendship and esteem between our two peoples and between our two republics," and reminded those present that "the Irish helped to build America. The very bricks and stones in this unique building were quarried and carried by the hands of Irish immigrant labourers."

The Irish Taoiseach made his plea in light of the recent Homeland Security policies introduced by the Bush Administration, which have taken a heavy-handed approach to America’s huge population of unofficial immigrants, many of whom have lived there for several generations.

He said: "We are profoundly aware of [the] challenges as we ask you to consider the case of our undocumented Irish immigrant community in the United States today.

"We hope you will be able to find a solution to their plight that would enable them to regularise their status and open to them a path to permanent residency."

To drive home the point, Mr Ahern spoke of Ireland’s experiences with an immigrant population: "We see that same spirit in the New Irish at home today - the many people from beyond our shores who are now making new lives in Ireland.

"The New Ireland - once a place so many left - is now a place to which so many come. These newcomers to our society have enriched the texture of our land and of our lives."

Bertie Ahern also told the US Congress, in a moving and momentous speech, of his pride in Ireland’s recent achievements: "After so many decades of conflict, I am so proud, Madam Speaker, to be the first Irish leader to inform the United States Congress: Ireland is at peace."

(DW)