It is time for a permanent solution tothe families of A Irish Deportees and the Malachy McAllister family.
The Irish Peace Process is now 21 years old. Yet for these participants in the conflict, although their issues were addressed by the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, the dividends of Peace remain elusive. These issues are increasingly difficult for all of them, and for Malachy McAllister imminent deportation and separation from his young family are a reality. It is time that Ireland’s Peace Process, which is a model for many other nations, be recognized by the Department of Homeland Security by adding the Irish to the exemption list. Many countries and organizations have received exemptions from DHS, yet Ireland has not.
The AOH encourage a DHS Terrorism-Related Inadmissibility Grounds Exemption for Ireland. This exemption will end visa detail for Republicans and Loyalist alike and allow our members Matt, Malachy and others to live here without the threat of deportation and work and travel restrictions. The AOH National Immigration Committee working with National President Jim McKay, National Treasurer Sean Pender, National FFAI Chair Martin Galvin, the Irish America Unity Conference. US legislators, the Irish Embassy, the US State Dept, and the agencies of DHS to end the cycle of delays and denials our Brother members and their families face with increasing difficulty.
E3 Visas for Irish Revisited- US Representative Richie Neal plans to reintroduce the E3 Visas for Ireland Bill. This Bill, which would allocate the remainder of Australia’s 10,500 E3 visas for Irish applicants. Last passed unanimously in the House but narrowly missed in the US Senate. On the eve of the Government Shutdown, despite yeoman’s efforts by Hibernians in several states, one hold remained as the government ultimately shut down. This time, it is hoped that the obstacles which slowed and stopped passage last year, will not be an issue. Please pay attention to Calls to Action on this legislation, should they arise.
The National Immigration Committee, with members across the US, convened by teleconference on March 28. Our calls focus on legislative updates and current issues affecting Irish Immigrants. We are often joined by guest speakers on important issues. On the March call, Committee, National FFAI Chairman Martin Galvin discussed our mutual work on Malachy McAllister’s behalf, as detailed above. I thank this dedicated committee and our National Board, State President, Immigration Chairs at every level, and all members across the US for your resourcefulness and connectivity. The issues of immigration are complicated. The AOH focus on how these laws affect the Irish, and what we, and legislators from all parties, can do to help. We can reach many legislators across the US which can help with other issues of great interest to us, and them.