Post by earl on May 15, 2007 14:21:54 GMT
MLAs urge US senators to take action over undocumented Irish
US Senators have faced calls in the Northern Ireland Assembly to redouble its efforts to resolve the position of undocumented immigrants.
An estimated 15,000 people from Northern Ireland in the US are hoping Congressional efforts allowing illegal aliens full citizenship bear fruit.
MLAs debated a motion from PJ Bradley (SDLP, Newry and Armagh) calling on the chamber to support the efforts of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform.
However a more generalised DUP amendment recognising the plight of thousands forced to live without legal papers like driving licenses was accepted by 43 votes to 42.
Cathal Boylan (Sinn Fein, Newry and Armagh) said Congressmen needed to "seize the moment, act now, please don`t scuttle what many believe is the best chance in a long time to secure comprehensive immigration reform.
"It`s time once and for all, I ask that this Assembly, in a public expression of its support, contact the US administration and all US Senators urging them to reach a compromise."
There are 12 million undocumented migrants in the US, including Mexicans and South Americans concentrated in the western states and the large cities.
The Senate is to debate reform this week after previous efforts sponsored by Republican John McCain and Democrat Ted Kennedy stalled.
Many work in construction, in the catering industry or other low-paid service jobs, unable to go back to Northern Ireland for funerals or weddings in case they cannot re-enter.
Simon Hamilton (DUP, Strangford) tabled the successful amendment which appealed for the US Government to resolve the matter while emphasising strong border controls.
"I hope the events of peace will allow us to begin to take our own place in the world instead of having the world watch us. We must start to lift our vision and view the world around us," he said.
The US lawmaking process is notorious for its unpredictability with many opportunities for obstruction.
President George Bush has backed immigration reform but has been weakened by the war in Iraq and is facing a Congress controlled by the Democrats.
PJ Bradley (SDLP, Newry and Armagh) sponsored the motion calling on Assembly members to support the campaign by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform.
"There are 30-40,000 (Irish) currently working, living and paying their way in the US, caught up in a debate not of their making but whatever the outcome, it will have a tremendous bearing on all their futures," he said.
"They are a great human tragedy... all of them living in fear."
Alasdair McDonnell (SDLP, South Belfast) said there were up to 600 unionist migrants living in San Francisco alone who passionately supported immigration reform.
He added that foreign labour was vital for the US economy.
"There`s not a gardener in California that`s not Mexican," he said.
"I support the motion and I plead with everybody on every side of the house to support the motion."
Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down) hoped there would be compromise in the US.
He added there should be a support scheme for guest workers and tougher controls on illegal migration.
www.utvlive.com/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=82241&pt=n
US Senators have faced calls in the Northern Ireland Assembly to redouble its efforts to resolve the position of undocumented immigrants.
An estimated 15,000 people from Northern Ireland in the US are hoping Congressional efforts allowing illegal aliens full citizenship bear fruit.
MLAs debated a motion from PJ Bradley (SDLP, Newry and Armagh) calling on the chamber to support the efforts of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform.
However a more generalised DUP amendment recognising the plight of thousands forced to live without legal papers like driving licenses was accepted by 43 votes to 42.
Cathal Boylan (Sinn Fein, Newry and Armagh) said Congressmen needed to "seize the moment, act now, please don`t scuttle what many believe is the best chance in a long time to secure comprehensive immigration reform.
"It`s time once and for all, I ask that this Assembly, in a public expression of its support, contact the US administration and all US Senators urging them to reach a compromise."
There are 12 million undocumented migrants in the US, including Mexicans and South Americans concentrated in the western states and the large cities.
The Senate is to debate reform this week after previous efforts sponsored by Republican John McCain and Democrat Ted Kennedy stalled.
Many work in construction, in the catering industry or other low-paid service jobs, unable to go back to Northern Ireland for funerals or weddings in case they cannot re-enter.
Simon Hamilton (DUP, Strangford) tabled the successful amendment which appealed for the US Government to resolve the matter while emphasising strong border controls.
"I hope the events of peace will allow us to begin to take our own place in the world instead of having the world watch us. We must start to lift our vision and view the world around us," he said.
The US lawmaking process is notorious for its unpredictability with many opportunities for obstruction.
President George Bush has backed immigration reform but has been weakened by the war in Iraq and is facing a Congress controlled by the Democrats.
PJ Bradley (SDLP, Newry and Armagh) sponsored the motion calling on Assembly members to support the campaign by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform.
"There are 30-40,000 (Irish) currently working, living and paying their way in the US, caught up in a debate not of their making but whatever the outcome, it will have a tremendous bearing on all their futures," he said.
"They are a great human tragedy... all of them living in fear."
Alasdair McDonnell (SDLP, South Belfast) said there were up to 600 unionist migrants living in San Francisco alone who passionately supported immigration reform.
He added that foreign labour was vital for the US economy.
"There`s not a gardener in California that`s not Mexican," he said.
"I support the motion and I plead with everybody on every side of the house to support the motion."
Stephen Farry (Alliance, North Down) hoped there would be compromise in the US.
He added there should be a support scheme for guest workers and tougher controls on illegal migration.
www.utvlive.com/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=82241&pt=n