Legalize the Irish!
Tyche Hendricks of the San Francisco Chronicle reports on a category of illegal immigrants that does not get much attention - the Irish:
The Irish are standing up to be counted among the nation’s illegal immigrants, hoping their civic appeal at St. Patrick’s Day will soften the debate over immigration reform.
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Although most of this country’s 11 million to 12 million illegal immigrants are from Mexico and Central America, about 50,000 Irish people are among 3 million illegal immigrants from countries outside Latin America. Other countries contributing significantly to illegal immigration are Russia, Poland, Canada, Haiti, Korea, India, China and the Philippines.
“We’ve had some very surprised reactions when they hear it is an issue for the Irish,” said Celine Kennelly, executive director for the Irish Immigration Pastoral Center in San Francisco, an advice and referral service sponsored by the Irish Catholic Conference of Bishops.
“They are in as dire straits as any other ethnic group,” said Kennelly, who estimates there are 3,000 to 4,000 Irish illegal immigrants in San Francisco, most working in construction, in restaurants or as nannies and caretakers for the elderly. “They cannot get driver’s licenses, it’s harder to open bank accounts, they cannot travel home and return again. … The relationship between Ireland and America is so long and fantastic, but it’s in danger now.”
