We're Staying, and Fighting!

Despite the setbacks on immigration reform, the Irish are still ready to fight for change. The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform has a lively exchange from bloggers on the issue on its website, www.legalizetheirish.org.

5:40 p.m., July 9, 2007

Anonymous said...

I'm staying can't imagine living anywhere else! The thing is, living in the U.S. isn't just about making money or good weather, though that is nice too! It's understanding that you can make it on your own merit, regardless of your background; it's a sense of community and cooperation in a melting pot of nationalities; and it's knowing that an organization like the ILIR can make a difference at the highest level. Thanks for giving us a voice.

6:42 p.m., July 9, 2007

Anonymous said...

Want more than anything to stay here, but at what cost, should we now be living in fear. I'm all about doubling efforts, but realistically what are the chances of something actually happening.

7:41 p.m., July 9, 2007

Joe said...

C'mon lads. This was always going to be a tough fight; we can't just fold at the first big hurdle. I'm in construction and it would take me years to get set up in Ireland, never mind Australia or England. Even if the worst came to the worst and we have to wait till after the presidential election, I'm still going to be in better shape here rather than starting up somewhere new. Anyway, I don't believe that the Irish government is going to abandon us. There has to be a way out of this.

8:12 p.m., July 9, 2007

Anonymous said...

As long as they don't leave us hanging forever. I trust Dermot Ahern though. He really seems to care that we're Irish citizens. I'm not packing in until they make me....

8:13 p.m., July 9, 2007

Brian from Philly said...

I agree with Joe and anonymous there. I came here and got into construction. I didn't work in that field in Ireland and would be starting from scratch all over again. I also have kids here now and don't want to move them to Ireland and let them miss out on the experience of living in this great country. It is a little disheartening but we have to keep our heads up. I think we will get some help in the future especially with the ILIR with us....Thanx guys for all your hard work

9:52 p.m., July 9, 2007

Anonymous said...

I have been here for over 10 years, and soon I won't be able to drive. I live in the suburbs so it will make living here very difficult. I don't know how I would manage if I had to start over again back home. I live in hope that the Irish government can help us now. Thanks for all the hard work everyone has put in to help us!!!

9:37 a.m., July 10, 2007

Anonymous said...

It's great to read the bloggers who are still staying positive. I wish I could feel the same, I seem to go back and forward on how I am thinking about the whole situation, from one day to the next. When I speak to friends they all say they are moving on, but no one is actually moving home. Lately when I walk to work I see every other house is for sale in our area and I'm wondering is it time for us to move back home.

Then I speak to my parents and they are telling me there's nothing at home. I guess if I were single with just myself to look after it would be different, I could simply move on somewhere else. I'm as adventurous as the next person, but I have two young boys now, both American citizens and I know there are better opportunities for them here. But how long can you live like this? Everyday is a struggle, just doing simple everyday things with two kids and no car.

9:37 a.m., July 10, 2007

Anonymous said...

Want to stay here more than anything but when you have no driver's license it's hard. Any ideas on how I can renew it? Think Irish government will fight for us but how long is it going to take?

Weaver Out

John Weaver, chief strategist for Senator John McCain's presidential campaign, has resigned from that position.

Weaver is a casualty of the low poll numbers that McCain has experienced in recent times.

Weaver and Co. Mayo-born Angela Hession have been the lead campaigners on Irish issues within the McCain campaign, and have proved themselves very good friends of the community.

McCain made several appearances at rallies for the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. Recently a major fundraiser was held for him by leading Irish American figures on Wall Street.

Obama's Irish Blood

Senator Barack Obama was recently interviewed on Irish television by RTE's Washington editor Robert Shortt, who caught up with him while he was campaigning in Iowa.

Obama revealed he knew all about the recent "roots" story in Ireland that traces a relative back to the tiny town of Moneygall in Co. Offaly.

"I always knew I had Irish blood," Obama stated. "I gotta go visit."

He also stated he knew there there's about 300 people in his home village and "a pub" which he promises to visit. As to when that would happen, however, he was non committal. He does have other priorities on his radar screen right now.