Irish President Mary McAleese made a heartfelt plea on behalf of the Irish undocumented living in the U.S. during a visit to San Francisco last week.

Speaking to an audience at San Francisco's Irish Immigration and Pastoral Center on December 12, McAleese said that she was "deeply conscious" how many within the Irish community are caught within this situation.

"So many of the undocumented Irish have lived in the U.S. for many years and, like generations of previous Irish emigrants, they work hard, raise families and make an important contribution to the economic and social life of their communities," she said.

"And yet, they live in the shadows of society with fear and uncertainty as their constant companions. Most, we know, also suffer greatly from the pain of not being able to travel to and from Ireland because of the difficulties of re-entry."

McAleese added that many undocumented Irish immigrants had come to the U.S. before the September 11 attacks had prompted tighter border restrictions, complicating their movements and restricting their access to a legal redress.

"Meanwhile, they got jobs, met partners, got married, raised families and put down roots in an adopted homeland that they had grown to love dearly," she said.

"Some very committed people have championed their cause, and the Irish government has used every possible opportunity to advocate on their behalf and will continue to do so. Efforts are also ongoing to reform our own wider migration arrangements with the U.S. in a way that complements the modern nature of our relationship."

Earlier, in a ceremony intended to highlight its Irish heritage on December 12, the University of San Francisco awarded McAleese with an honorary doctorate.

University President Stephen A. Privett said, "She is a leader who exemplifies a dedication to reasoned discourse and working for the common good - two skills we strive to instill in our students."

Some 700 people filled the McLaren Conference Center at the campus to hear McAleese deliver a public address on "Ireland: Challenges and Opportunities in a Global Community."

In a statement, the university said they had also honored McAleese for her leadership and dedication to justice, equality and social inclusion.

McAleese told the media attending the ceremony that Ireland's current peace and economic prosperity are due in part to its extended Irish family the world over, particularly in the U.S., who have sought out higher education.

"Our narrative has changed," said McAleese, whose visit was part of a weeklong trip to strengthen trade, business and cultural ties to California, Oregon, and Arizona. "Thankfully one of the reasons our narrative has changed is largely thanks to widened access to education. That has made a huge, big difference to us," McAleese said.

American companies have created 90,000 jobs in Ireland and Irish companies have created 80,000 jobs here, McAleese noted in her speech.

"As one of the top exporters of software worldwide, we are globally engaged in developing the high end of modern technologies. Our dynamic tourism sector brings millions to our shores each year, building connections of friendship and memories thanks to the ease and cheapness of global travel."

McAleese added, "A few weeks ago, members of the Irish Technology Leadership Group, a new network of high-achieving Irish and Irish-American Silicon Valley executives visited me in Dublin. Now they want to build new links, new networks between Ireland's high-tech sector and America's to the benefit of both. I can see the future being constructed before my eyes."

McAleese also visited Los Angeles earlier this week. She and her husband Martin were guests of honor at a reception on the Warner Bros studio lot.

Among those who turned out to meet her were Irish actor Colin Farrell and actress Fionnula Flanagan.

McAleese was also expected to meet with California First Lady Maria Shriver, after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was busy in state budget meetings in Sacramento.