An Irish face on the cause of citizenship

[irishgirl73 0]

I find it really hard to believe that the unemployment rate is below 5% and I also find it hard to believe that the average household income is 50,000.00 euros. That doesn't apply to the majority of the people I know there.

I know for a fact that even though Dublin is booming, there are a lot of people out of work due to a large number of Polish immigrants taking jobs at a much lower hourly wage. I am not saying anything negative about the Polish-just stating a fact.

Immigration policies do need major reform that is without a doubt. I do not believe that certain people should get preferential treatment-it seems like they(the politicians) were trying to say the the Irish has contributed a great deal to this country................going back many years. In my opinion many Irish decendants helped build this country(obviously side by side with many other ethnic groups).

I believe Hillary Clinton's maid is from Ireland and that is how all of this came about(at least that is what I heard). Apparently she has not been able to go home b/c of visa issues. If she left the country she would have been "out of status". I am assuming that is why Hillary took up this cause-so to speak.

[rebeccajo 14]

I believe Hillary Clinton's maid is from Ireland and that is how all of this came about(at least that is what I heard). Apparently she has not been able to go home b/c of visa issues. If she left the country she would have been "out of status". I am assuming that is why Hillary took up this cause-so to speak.

Can't Hillary fill out the papers for a B or a J visa? Sheesh.

Edited March 23, 2006 by rebeccajo

[irishgirl73 0]

I believe Hillary Clinton's maid is from Ireland and that is how all of this came about(at least that is what I heard). Apparently she has not been able to go home b/c of visa issues. If she left the country she would have been "out of status". I am assuming that is why Hillary took up this cause-so to speak.

Can't Hillary fill out the papers for a B or a J visa? Sheesh.

I know right??? Look at what she started

That woman must have some serious "dirt" on Hillary is she is willing to go through all this to get the woman and her fellow Irish visas.

You would think she had some pull with USCIS

Edited March 23, 2006 by irishgirl73

[Mand 1]

I believe Hillary Clinton's maid is from Ireland and that is how all of this came about(at least that is what I heard). Apparently she has not been able to go home b/c of visa issues. If she left the country she would have been "out of status". I am assuming that is why Hillary took up this cause-so to speak.

But is that for real, or just some urban-Irish-myth? Not knocking anyone, but the Irish have been known to embellish their stories My brother is notorious for his BS

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

According to the CIA fact book it is true -- look, there are people who are not that well off in Ireland, that's true. But, you know, having travelled throughout China and Southeast Asia, they don't have it so bad. I don't see Clinton and Shumer are appearing in front of a group of Chinese people supporting immigration reform, when the consequences of returning to their country may be much worse for them.

So hillary is employing someone who is illegal is she? Paying their taxes and social security I hope. But you know what what really makes my blood boil -- politicians who try and bend the rules for their own domestic help (like David Blunkett in the UK, and Hillary apparently though I know nothing of her maid) when many people here can't be with their own spouse in this country.

I'm actually going to go Google, Mand -- it sounds more like a right wing conspiracy theory to me, but I must find out!

[irishgirl73 0]

I believe Hillary Clinton's maid is from Ireland and that is how all of this came about(at least that is what I heard). Apparently she has not been able to go home b/c of visa issues. If she left the country she would have been "out of status". I am assuming that is why Hillary took up this cause-so to speak.

But is that for real, or just some urban-Irish-myth? Not knocking anyone, but the Irish have been known to embellish their stories My brother is notorious for his BS

well.......................it was an Irishman who told me this wee little bit of info

He said that is how this all got started-something about her maid being illegal, she had no idea what Irish people were going through here, and it wasn't until her maid's situation came to light, that she realized so many were unable to go home to visit. Even people that are here legally-aos pending I assume. It is true that if God forbid something happens to someone in your home country and you are here waiting for your greencard, you need advance parole to go home.

Maybe that is how this started?????? I can't confirm or deny

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

You know, if it is/was true it would totally sink her chances for '08. You remember when her other half tried finding an attorney general? I went and did a google and couldn't finding anything, particularly anyone in the Free Republic forum foaming at the mouth, so who knows?

But you know, there's a period of time when many LEGAL aliens can't fly home -- you go through all the hoops for a K visa and then your father has a heart attack a week after you arrive -- you be screwed. If Hillary wanted to do something about that I might reconsider voting for her.

[rebeccajo 14]

.................something about her maid being illegal, she had no idea what Irish people were going through here, and it wasn't until her maid's situation came to light, that she realized so many were unable to go home to visit.........

Okay, you have got to be kidding me right?

My crying towel has a big ol' hole in it.........................

[irishgirl73 0]

You know, if it is/was true it would totally sink her chances for '08. You remember when her other half tried finding an attorney general? I went and did a google and couldn't finding anything, particularly anyone in the Free Republic forum foaming at the mouth, so who knows?

But you know, there's a period of time when many LEGAL aliens can't fly home -- you go through all the hoops for a K visa and then your father has a heart attack a week after you arrive -- you be screwed. If Hillary wanted to do something about that I might reconsider voting for her.

true

you can come here and live but until your paperwork is finished, you better hope nothing requires you to go home. Even I would consider her if she made some positive changes.

[internetkafe 0]

I have to say, why should any particular ethnic grouping get special treatment over the others? Because they're white and speak English and come from Europe? Pull the other one - it plays jingle bells. If Ireland is such a properous country nowadays they should be able to afford visas to come here legally. I have a lot more sympathy for illegal immigrants from poor countries than rich ones.

Special treatment would mean outright racism.

Ireland itself is a nation which is against immigration. They are afraid of new EU member nations from the East. They are afraid of losing their comfortable jobs to people who would work for less.

Last week I saw the front page of an Irish newspaper...it was a story of how immigration will revitalize Irish economy and help strengthen pension system/social security. The influx of young immigrants...

But the people are against immigration.

I recently sent my CV to an Irish company in response to their job ad on an American website. I received a negative reply because I was not a citizen of an EU member nation...that Irish Government did not allow others in that position to work etc etc. However I would like to note the fact that the job advertisement was placed on an American job board. The Irish woman in charge of human resources wrote me a long e-mail trying to explain why I am not eligible because of my nationality/ethnicity/religion..... of course not fully expressing the reason. Racism and anti-immigrant sentiment is very high in Ireland.

[Mand 1]

I recently sent my CV to an Irish company in response to their job ad on an American website. I received a negative reply because I was not a citizen of an EU member nation.

I don't understand what you are complaining about. Before my husband moved to Ireland, he was sending his CV/resume off to Irish based companies and was also told that because he was not an EU citizen and did not hold a valid work authorization, he was not eligible to work in Ireland...just as I was not allowed to work in the US without a valid work authorization.

He then went through the process of obtaining an Irish work authorization based on his IT skills, this authorization was his and not company specific. In this world, if you want something enough, you have to go and get it yourself and not expect others to do it for you.

[internetkafe 0]

I don't understand what you are complaining about. Before my husband moved to Ireland, he was sending his CV/resume off to Irish based companies and was also told that because he was not an EU citizen and did not hold a valid work authorization, he was not eligible to work in Ireland...just as I was not allowed to work in the US without a valid work authorization.

He then went through the process of obtaining an Irish work authorization based on his IT skills, this authorization was his and not company specific. In this world, if you want something enough, you have to go and get it yourself and not expect others to do it for you.

The Irish Company put its job announcement on an American job board (not Monster or hotjobs or similar...a professional-specific American job board). That implies that the company is willing to hire people who reside in America. It was not a job board that adressed only the Irish either. However when it comes to my application they conveniently choose telling me about ineligibility because I did not hold EU passport. The Irish woman who replied my inquiry did not specify the reason for my ineligibility but I think that is also related to the fact that I am Muslim.

She wrote also that the Irish Government did not authorize non-EU nationals application for work permit for that job. So 'wanting it and getting it yourself' attitude does not work here.

Now it is time to CLARIFY what I have been 'complaining about'...

Irleand is not an immigrant-friendly country. Its people are negative about immigration. There have been talks of citizenship based on blood there... That is the Third Reich approach for you.

And here I see people seeking preferential treatment for Irish immigrants. That I do not agree with. Even suggesting this is outright racism. Ireland itself is anti-immigrant...why accomodate and reward anti-immigrant people here?

I see that some people see having a considerable Irish existence in America as a support for their advocacy of more Irish immigrants and special treatment for Irish immigrants. It should be other way around. There are too many Irish immigrants here therefore a special treatment must address curbing further Irish immigration to America. For the sake of diversity.

Edited April 3, 2006 by internetkafe

[Mand 1]

Y'know what...I get it, you have a gripe with Ireland for some reason...build a bridge and get over it, cos I haven't the energy nor inclination today.

[peejay 327]

Irleand is not an immigrant-friendly country. Its people are negative about immigration. There have been talks of citizenship based on blood there... That is the Third Reich approach for you.

It ain't just talk...but I wouldn't compare it to Fascism. However, I do see a double standard going on here.

Voters drop citizenship as an Irish birthright

Irish voters have overwhelmingly approved a plan to scrap a constitutional provision granting automatic citizenship to any child born in Ireland or neighbouring Northern Ireland.

Early results from the referendum point to a victory for the Irish Government, which insists Ireland has become a destination for pregnant mothers because children will be entitled to European Union residence and welfare benefits.

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/06/...l?from=storylhs

Sound familiar? Just imagine if America passed such a law? (We probably should, but that's besides the point.) The lunatic fringe would be rioting in the streets screaming that bad old evil xenaphobic racist America was denying all these poor illegal aliens' babies their rights to free public services at taxpayer expense.

Talk about double standards. Illegal immigration is always somehow justified as long as MY little ethnic group are the ones doing it.

Give me a break! I got a wee bit (maybe an eighth) of Irish blood in me, but that doesn't make me any more inclined to support these Irish hypocrites any more than the Mexican hypocrites that excuse illegal immigration of THEIR buddies.

The whole lot of them need to get sent packing. (They can take Teddy Kennedy with them!) With a 10 year ban on legal reentry to boot. The laws are on the books already...let's do it and set the tone once and for all. No more amnesties!

[aidan80 9]

I have to say, why should any particular ethnic grouping get special treatment over the others? Because they're white and speak English and come from Europe? Pull the other one - it plays jingle bells. If Ireland is such a properous country nowadays they should be able to afford visas to come here legally. I have a lot more sympathy for illegal immigrants from poor countries than rich ones.

Special treatment would mean outright racism.

Ireland itself is a nation which is against immigration. They are afraid of new EU member nations from the East. They are afraid of losing their comfortable jobs to people who would work for less.

Last week I saw the front page of an Irish newspaper...it was a story of how immigration will revitalize Irish economy and help strengthen pension system/social security. The influx of young immigrants...

But the people are against immigration.

internetkafe,

Sounds a lot like you’re pissed at Ireland or maybe just the whole EU? I can understand being pissed at not being able to obtain a job because you’re not an EU national or if you can’t obtain the correct documentation in Ireland. I don’t think that’s discrimination it’s the bearcats doing their jobs! I still cant obtain a job in the US and it isn’t because I’m Irish, isn’t because I’m Catholic, isn’t because I’m white and it isn’t because I have a different accent.. it’s simply because I have to go through the system by the book.. like everyone else! There are certain jobs here in the US that I can’t ever get as a non US citizen and I understand that… that isn’t discrimination or racism it’s simply a right and privilege US citizens possess that I don’t.

Saying that Ireland is outright racist is just wrong and in my opinion.. Stupid.. Ireland opened its doors to 10 new member states joining the EU from the east. No offence but last time I checked Turkey was not a member of the EU, it was barley being considered as a potential member. Ireland has allowed new immigrants into the country while other existing EU states preferred to have the new states wait before allowing their citizens into their country.

Of course people back home are not too friendly to immigrants.. would you be happy if you got laid off from your job because your boss found someone else to do your job for less than half the money you where being paid? Would you be happy knowing your taxes are being used to pay for illegal immigrants that arrive in your country only to have a baby then claim full benefits from the state… house, income support, health care, education.. ect from my experience back home that’s (unfortunately) how quite a few people think.. more needs to be done back home to show people that immigrants are not a bad thing.