South Down Assembly Member Seán Rogers MLA has welcomed developments surrounding the immigration issue in the USA.
He said: “Since taking up office I have continued with the long-term committed work of my predecessor PJ Bradley to assist the many undocumented Irish living in America.”
Acknowledging the announcement by Barrack Obama as ‘highly significant’ the SDLP MLA added: “This is a contentious political issue being played out between the Democrats and Republicans with many underlying complexities.
“It is important to point out the announcement is far from an amnesty and with the use of language such as ‘temporary’ it is understandable that Irish residents may be reluctant to react to the initial call by Obama to come out from the shadows.”
The SDLP representative explained that his commitment to supporting this debate was based on the real effect it could have for families living in the USA and at home in Ireland. He said: “If a suitable agreement on Immigration can be achieved the relief and happiness it could bring to families is immeasurable. We could witness Grandparents potentially meeting grandchildren for the first time along with relaxed freedom of movement to significant family events.
“Irish immigrants make an enormous contribution to the U.S. economy and I will continue to lobby for this topic to remain on the agenda within the highest echelons of Government until a suitable agreement is delivered.”
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