There was a setback for immigration advocates last month when the Supreme Court deadlock resulted in the permanent blocking of the executive orders taken by President Barack Obama in November 2014 to provide for millions of undocumented immigrants. However, the push for relief from the Irish government will continue, according to the country’s Ambassador to the United States, Anne Anderson.
In a speech in at the AOH and LAOH’s annual convention in Atlantic City last Tuesday, Anderson outlined the difficulties encountered by supporters of immigration reform. Anderson has long advocated for immigration relief for the undocumented Irish in the United States as well as for permanent reform to allow for more legal immigration. She says that the community has been frustrated by the inaction of Congress.
Anderson urged members of the AOH to remain vigilant in their efforts to make sure immigration reform comes about. She noted that the groundwork must be laid now to get anything moving next year in the wake of the US Presidential election while pledging to spare no effort herself in regard to the Irish government and diplomatic network. Anderson says that the issue will be raised at every opportunity by the Taoiseach and government ministers and try to enlist and energize Congress members to the cause.
Anderson, who is the first female Irish ambassador to the United States, says she hopes whatever the outcome of the US election, that logic, economic self-interest and simple common sense will prevail.