Green army descends on Washington in push for legal status in US

Edel Kennedy, Irish Independent, March 8, 2007

UP to 4,000 Irish people descended on Washington DC demanding to be allowed to legally stay in the US.

Thousands travelled to the American capital in support of a rally organised by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR).

In a well-planned move, they broke into small groups and vented their grievances to all the politicians in the House of Representatives and Senate - multiple times.

One of the organisers, Deirdre Hickey, said they want to keep the momentum going so they have a better chance of pushing the upcoming Kennedy/McCain bill through the Senate.

Among those who got up at 3am to travel from New York was Orlene Kavanagh (31), who is originally from Clondalkin in Dublin.

She has been living in New York for 14 years and despite being turned down for a visa 17 times, she is hopeful that the US will become her permanent home before the end of the year.

But if it doesn't, she won't be returning home.

``I've tried living in Ireland and it just doesn't work for me,'' she said as she knocked on Senators' doors in Congress Hill.

``I packed up everything in '99 and went back but New York is my home and I just had to come back.''

She said that the 9/11 terrorist attacks ``changed everything'' because employers became afraid to hire illegal workers. Orlene is one of the lucky ones because her employer in Queens pays her in cash, avoiding the unwanted attention of tax officials.

Two years ago, she took a chance with the airport immigration officials and returned home to visit her sick grandmother. She took several flights through Europe before arriving in Ireland to avoid alerting the authorities. ``I want to be able to get one flight home to Ireland like everyone else,'' she said.

Sean and Mary Murray from Castlewellen, Co Down, said they would also be forced to return home if their employers did not pay them by cash.

Mary has been living here for five years and her brother Sean for two.

Their older brother Liam has also resided here illegally for 10 years and they have two siblings at home.

``I just don't want to go back,'' said Mary, "it's too quiet and I love the life out here."

The illegal Irish were also joined by those who have gained legal status and want to see others given the opportunities they enjoyed. Hundreds travelled on the overnight `red eye' flights from San Francisco before flying back last night.

Eugene Koyne from Claregalway, Co Galway, emigrated in 1986 and was granted legal status under the Donnelly Visa Scheme in 1989.

He met and married an Irish woman and they have four children. His two sons, Eoghan and Padraig, also took the five-hour bus journey from New York yesterday to lobby the Senators.

``I have set up my whole life here,'' Eugene said to a spokesperson who met one group of campaigners on behalf of Senator Paul Gillmor of Ohio.

"My nephews are here working illegally and I want them to have the same opportunities I had. I want them to be part of the American dream.''

Thousands of Irish people - all wearing white and green t-shirts - spread out across Capitol Hill and knocked on each politician's door multiple times.

Organisers told them "not to take no for an answer" and ask that the Senators take the time to listen to personal stories.

They also asked each official what way they were going to vote when the Bill comes before them.

Last year, the Kennedy/McCain immigration bill passed the US Senate but was blocked by Republicans in the House of Representatives.

Following victory in last November's midterm elections and President Bush's continued support of immigration reform, Senator Ted Kennedy is hopeful the drive now exists to get a bill passed in both the House and the Senate.

A final vote could take place in May.

But for some, getting a Green Card will not be enough, they also want citizenship.

``I only want a Green Card if it means I will get citizenship,'' said Orlene. ``It's too hard to live and work here illegally and after 14 years I want the same status as any American citizen.''