Newry Armagh Sinn Féin Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

HOPE FOR IRISH UNDOCUMENTED AS BISHOPS CONFERENCE CALLS FOR REFORM

Published: 21 June, 2009

Newry and Mourne Sinn Féin Councillor Pat Mc Ginn has said that a call from the US Bishops at the American Catholic Bishops Conference for President Obama and Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform before the end of 2009 would be welcomed by all involved in the campaign to gain citizenship for undocumented workers living and working in the United States.. The Councillor said that the issue affected many hundreds of families throughout the Newry and Armagh area. Acknowledging the work of both the American and Irish Catholic Bishops Conference in relation to funding projects which work with many Irish living in the US, The Fews area Councillor who has had a lengthy involvement with highlighting issues relating to the plight of the "undocumented Irish", Pat said that there was sound reason for hope that preparations for a new initiative on US immigration by the Obama administration was nearing its final stages. "Cardinal Francis George speaking at the Bishops Conference said ""It has been clear for years that the United States immigration system requires repair and that reform legislation should not be delayed. We urge respect and observance of all just laws, and we do not approve or encourage the illegal entry of anyone into our country. From a humanitarian perspective, however, our fellow human beings, who migrate to support their families, continue to suffer at the hands of immigration policies that separate them from family members and drive them into remote parts of the American desert, sometimes to their deaths. This suffering should not continue. Now is the time to address this pressing humanitarian issue, which affects so many lives and undermines basic human dignity. Our society should no longer tolerate a status quo that perpetuates a permanent underclass of persons and benefits from their labour without offering them legal protections. As a moral matter, we must resolve the legal status of those who are here without proper documentation so that they can fully contribute their talents to our nation's economic, social and spiritual well-being. We urge President Obama and congressional leaders to meet as soon as possible to discuss and draft comprehensive immigration reform legislation, with the goal of making it law by the end of 2009" explained the Councillor who continued "President Obama speaking at the Esperanza National Hispanic Breakfast in Washington over the weekend also promised a complete overhaul of the immigration system. In a wide ranging speech told those present that America was a country of promise, and no matter the colour, creed or belief, the United States was a place where anyone could fulfil their potential. President Obama stated "We also know that keeping this promise means upholding America's tradition as a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. Those things aren't contradictory; they're complementary. That's why I'm committed to passing comprehensive immigration reform as President of the United States". Concluding the Sinn Fein elected representative said that the "US Undocumented Irish" issue was one that effected families from all backgrounds and traditions. "The Bishops Conference statement and the President's words will offer hope to the estimated 50,000 Irish undocumented who live in the United States. It is essential that all politicians, all church leaders and all who can influence this campaign for citizenship, work together to bring about a just and satisfactory resolution to the issue.