Thread: Irish Put Green Tint On Immigration Cause

Irish put green tint on immigration cause


mcclatchy tribune

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 03.07.2007

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The immigration debate has swept through Mexican cantinas, Argentine bakeries and Caribbean music shops in the United States. But now it has a new home: the local Irish pub.
Thousands of illegal Irish immigrants are joining the drive to grant legal status to about 12 million people of various origins living in the United States without proper documents.
In their most vocal demonstration so far, 6,000 supporters are expected to show up today at a Washington, D.C., rally organized by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. They'll sport "Legalize the Irish" T-shirts and cast the bitter and polarized immigration debate in shamrock green.
"Everyone reacts the same way. They don't even understand the Irish have a problem with immigration," said Lisa Handley of Fort Lauderdale, the lobby's Florida delegate. "We're just a small part of the immigration wave," she said. But given the way so many Americans trace their roots back to Ireland, she added, "we're a very significant part."
The Irish presence puts a new spin on a movement largely associated with Latin Americans, and it pulls enthusiasm from important political allies, even though only about 50,000 Irish immigrants live illegally in the United States.
A smaller rally last year drew Sens. John McCain, R-Ariz. and Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., both presidential hopefuls. McCain plans to attend today's rally, along with Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla.
Under the current system, advocates say, the Irish ancestors of Presidents Ronald Reagan and John F. Kennedy would not have been able to legally enter the United States.
Those working to reduce immigration say no group should be singled out for special treatment.
"The Irish are no different from anyone else," said Caroline Espinosa, a spokeswoman for the grass-roots Numbers- USA group. "It doesn't matter where you're coming from but how you came here, and if you came here illegally, you broke the law."
Today's rally comes as U.S. senators work on a new immigration bill that likely will combine legalization with tighter border control and higher caps on many visa categories.
"This reminds us we've got 12 million folks here (without documents), and you can't reduce them to a single stereotype," said Angela Kelley, deputy director for policy and programs at the National Immigration Forum.




http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/border/172376

We don't need any more illegals regardless of where they come. Respect our laws!!!!

I have Irish and English ancestors, but if you come here illegally you have to go back. I don't care what country you come from the immigration laws apply to everyone.


Immigration laws are plain and simple. Come legally or don't come at all.

"The Irish are no different from anyone else," said Caroline Espinosa, a spokeswoman for the grass-roots Numbers- USA group. "It doesn't matter where you're coming from but how you came here, and if you came here illegally, you broke the law."

Well said Carol! Why can't people understand this? This is not about race, its not directed toward any particular creed, this is plain and simple about breaking the law!

We've all heard this sooo many times and thank God there are many people who don't believe this crap.

So for the OBL's and other people who believe this tripe, stop drinking the kool-aid and start using that lump located 3 ft. above your ass!
In case you still don't get it, ITS CALLED YOUR BRAIN.

Originally Posted by Beckyal

We don't need any more illegals regardless of where they come. Respect our laws!!!!

Amen to that Beckyal!

Dixie

Gonna need a lot of Patty Wagons to round uo 6000 :P

So for the OBL's and other people who believe this tripe, stop drinking the kool-aid and start using that lump located 3 ft. above your ass!
In case you still don't get it, ITS CALLED YOUR BRAIN.

AMEN TO THAT SIPPY!!

They are only trying a new tactic. They think we are racists and so it'll be all right to let illegals be given a path to citizenship because the Irish are Caucasian.

THEY ARE THE RACISTS!!!! ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL AND I DON'T CARE IF YOU HAVE PURPLE STRIPES DOWN YOUR BACK!

Originally Posted by olivermyboy

They are only trying a new tactic. They think we are racists and so it'll be all right to let illegals be given a path to citizenship because the Irish are Caucasian.

THEY ARE THE RACISTS!!!! ILLEGAL IS ILLEGAL AND I DON'T CARE IF YOU HAVE PURPLE STRIPES DOWN YOUR BACK!

Purple stripes OLiver, I don't think they would be irish then, wouldn't they have green stripes??? GO HOME IF YOU ILLEGAL!!!