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Irish-American Reps Call for Immigration Reform
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-13 Ohio, joined with current and former Irish-American members of Congress Wednesday to show their support for comprehensive immigration reform as thousands of pro-immigration reform advocates converged on the Capitol.
Ryan called for reframing “an often emotional debate to one that focuses on the fact that legal immigration brings significant cultural and economic gains” to the United States. “It is important to the Irish-American community -- and to the nation at-large. Our faith communities and our businesses are calling for comprehensive reform, and both parties need to commit themselves to get this work done. The time to act is now,” Ryan said.
The statement issued by Ryan’s office points to the “long, proud tradition” of Irish immigrants in the United States and their contributions to society. While today’s immigrants have carried on this legacy, many Irish immigrants -- 50,000, according to current estimates -- lack legal status.
Said freshman congressman Joe Kennedy III, D-Mass., “Immigration reform is not just an Irish cause or a Hispanic cause or any one group’s cause -- it’s an American cause. In the weeks and months ahead we will be fighting harder than ever for a country that finds its spirit and strength in diversity.”
“Immigration reform doesn’t affect just one nationality or one ethnic group -- it affects us all,” said U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley, D-N.Y. “Right now there are immigrants from all around the world -- including Ireland -- here in our country, hoping for the opportunity to come out of the shadows, live and work without fear, and give back to their community. They are business owners, students and families who want nothing more than to continue a long and proud tradition of coming to America and becoming part of the fabric of our society. And, that’s what we are working toward with comprehensive immigration reform.”
Also participating in the news conference were U.S. Reps. Richard Neal, D-Mass., Bill Keating, D-Mass., and Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y. Former congressman Bruce Morrison, today an advoate for Irish immigation, also joined the press event.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.