Immigration reform: Setback for Irish undocumented

ALMOST exactly a year ago, Irish migrant support groups and Irish politicians welcomed US President Obama’s announcement on immigration reform.

The measures he then announced would mean that the thousands of undocumented Irish currently living in the United States would have their status legitimised and make it easier for them to return home for family occasions or in an emergency, without the fear that they would be barred from re-entry.

It also would mean that the constant fear of deportation would be at least greatly lessened or eliminated altogether.

This led a campaign here for undocumented migrants living in Ireland to be treated more leniently as they face similar challenges to those in the US. They live in constant fear of deportation and have little or no legal rights.

However, President Obama’s plan for a more humane immigration regime has come to grief before it even got started.

A decision on Monday by a federal appeals court has ruled against the White House on the matter, finding that the president acted beyond his powers. That decision will now be considered by the US Supreme Court but, in the meantime, there can be no change in immigration law.

Whatever the final outcome in the US, it is to be hoped that it will not affect the campaign to improve the plight of undocumented migrants in Ireland.