We need to reform our immigration system

Barack Obama’s ‘commonsense’ reforms to fix the ‘broken immigration system’ in the United States (Irish Examiner, May 23) stand in stark contrast to the lack of political leadership which has been shown on this issue by successive Irish governments.

While no doubt our politicians will be quick to claim credit for the US reforms and the hope offered to Irish undocumented, they should also look at the heartache caused by our own cumbersome and bureaucratic immigration system.

The failure to introduce a modern, efficient and transparent immigration system has not only let down migrants, but is also creating difficulties for Irish citizens and our country as a whole.

As a first step, the Government should introduce its long-awaited policy on family reunification and set out clear rules for Irish citizens and migrants legally living here who have been torn apart from loved ones.

Another reform must be to offer a clear, transparent and fair independent appeals system to those who have had their applications rejected by the current cumbersome and bureaucratic system.

The Office of the Ombudsman has already said it is willing to take on the appeals role.

There are many other areas which require reform, including much-improved access for workers who can help fill the skills gap in many of our high tech and foreign language sectors.

Our political leaders were quick to mobilise our full diplomatic and lobbying ability in Washington DC to bring about reforms there. Now it is time for them to look much closer to home.

Denise Charlton

Chief executive

Immigrant Council of Ireland

2 St Andrew St

Dublin 2