Irish in America seek immigration reform

Over 2,000 supporters of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, gathered in Washington DC yesterday calling for comprehensive immigration reform. US Senator Ted Kennedy, told the crowd that immigration reform will be a 'hard fought battle' but said he believed this year could see a new bill passed by Congress. Following victory in last November's midterm elections, Democrats believe they are in a stronger position to push through immigration legislation this year.

They say they've come to America for opportunity and adventure — the same reasons as their ancestors. After traveling from across the country for Wednesday's rally, the advocates received green and white T-shirts inscribed with the request "Legalize the Irish," along with small American flags. Angela Kelley, of the National Immigration Forum, said "Forty percent of the undocumented in this country came in legally," Kelly says. "They came in with visas, as students, as tourists, as businessmen. And they overstayed those visas."

A Senate proposal is expected soon, sponsored by John McCain and Edward Kennedy. It is estimated that there are almost 12m undocumented people in the US.

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Irish in America seek immigration reform