http://breakingnews.iol.ie/news/story.a ... =y7y94983x

Plea over undocumented Irish in US
07/02/2006 - 11:49:31

Councils in the Republic were today urged to join an all-island campaign to prevent 25,000 undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States becoming the victim of tough new laws.

SDLP Assembly member PJ Bradley has written to every county and city council manager in the Republic urging them to debate the impact on illegal Irish immigrants of anti-terrorism plans by US President George W Bush.

The South Down MLA said: “Many people have yet to realise the determination of the US Government to introduce stringent anti-terrorism measures.

“There are currently over 50 proposals in the form of Draft Bills up for debate and many of these are being openly supported by Democrats and Republicans alike.

“It will require a significant degree of lobbying to influence the thinking of both Congress and the Senate, but lobby we must.

“I have been in touch with every county and city council manager in the south of Ireland requesting them to table the issue for discussion in their council chambers and to lend their support to our undocumented in America.

“The SDLP has already commenced the process by introducing Notices of Motion for discussion in all 26 councils in the North.â€