How sad to see the Brazilians being deported
Tim Pat Coogan in his book, Wherever Green is Worn, writes of the huge welcome the South Americans have given to the Irish emigrants over the centuries, particularly during the more troubled times in our history.
Many Irish went on to make their mark on South American history.
The Irish also came to support their families back home.
Cultural, economic and political ties have grown over the years. There was great delight in the Brazilian-Irish community with the visits of the President Mary McAleese and the Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and especially with the recent opening of the Irish Embassy in Brasilia.
Last summer we had a group of young Irish university students out here in Brazil on a six-week programme building houses for the poor. On St Patrick’s Day a group of Brazilian young people will visit Ireland as part of a cultural exchange programme.
The Brazilians who have come to Ireland over the past few years have settled into local life and have integrated elements of their own culture. It’s a shame that those who have not yet managed to get proper work permits should be turned away.
We can only remember the thousands of Irish who travelled the world in search of work, often without work permits.
I would have hoped that the Celtic Tiger was big enough to welcome the Brazilians.
Tadhg Herbert
Fortaleza
Brazil
