Support the undocumented in the US

With loaded pen and heavy heart I write to you, asking that you and your readers consider the moral, legal and sentimental conundrum in which 50,000 Irish-Americans find themselves.

Over the centuries, Irish curraghs and sailing ships of all shapes and sizes departed in search of new lands, new conquests, and new challenges. During the Famine, this westernbound exodus had a very survivalist dimension, and most especially, during that time, the present special relationship between Ireland and the United States of America was cemented.

From that time, and into the 20th Century, especially during the Easter Rising and the war of independence, Irish people migrated to America, to the point where almost everyone had an uncle or aunt there. Coupled with emigration to Britain, there came a point where it was almost expected that you had a family member abroad. Apparently, a relative in the Foreign Missions counted.

Then came the dreadful 1970s and 1980s, times of severe unemployment. Indeed, even where employers were prepared to employ people, the punitive rates of PRSI and personal taxation made it prohibitive for people to work. Slattery`s buses from Tralee, Cork, Waterford were full of optimistic boys and girls. Busarus in Dublin sparkled with jewels, the multi-carated eyes of young men and women getting on that bus, only fearful that the creaking economy they were leaving would somehow catch them.

Those bright enquiring eyes, beautiful diamonds transversed the globe: Africa, Australia, Asia, Britain, America. Around the same time developed the urban legend of Colonel Oliver North flying his planes in Aer Lingus livery. Ireland and her citizens were untouchable.

For various reasons, 50,000 Irish people presently in the United States are undocumented. That`s equal to 100,000 precious gems, 100,000 enquiring, beseeching, loving Irish eyes, that left Ireland after school, college, or on holidays and found themselves in America, putting down roots, starting businesses, and enhancing American life. I`m proud to call myself one of the undocumented, and along with my associates, we have never called into question our allegiance to the United States. Indeed, it has been a mutually beneficial relationship.We were here at America`s darkest hour, and didn`t blink. Instead we were out at the World Trade Center, rescuing and recovering people, donating blood, and keeping the streets open.

On Saturday 14 April, Irish eyes will smile at Jury`s Hotel, Ballsbridge, in support of the Irish undocumented in America. This event will take place from 1-4 pm, and is organised by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. Please come and show your love and support.

Seamus Ryan, New York City