By Georgina Brennan

IRISH politicians are putting their full force behind the fight for the plight of the Irish undocumented in the U.S.

Alasdair McDonnell, deputy leader of the SDLP, the North’s second largest Nationalist party, met the British and Irish governments at Hillsborough Castle in Co. Down and urged them to pledge their determination to get status for Irish Immigrants living in America.

“I told both the Irish and British governments today that they must work together to put pressure on the American government to give due status to Irish people, whether from the North or the South, living in the U.S. illegally,” said McDonnell in a statement.

“It is a duty on all political representatives on this island to protect the rights of Irish people living in the U.S. Together we must persuade American politicians to recognize the valuable contribution Irish people make to their economy and community life.”

The SDLP says its concern is in maintaining the strong links between Ireland and America.

“I urged both governments to work together with all representatives on this island to pursue this goal. Both Dermot Ahern and Peter Hain understood the concerns of thousands of families who have loved ones working and living in America. They listened to our ideas on how to go forward on this issue,” he added.

The SDLP has embarked on a major all island campaign to protect Irish people living and working in the U.S. The party has tabled motions across all councils in the North and are urging southern parties to do the same in the south.

“Many people have yet to realize the determination of the US government to introduce stringent anti-terrorism measures. There are currently over 50 proposals in the form of draft bills up for debate and many of these are being openly supported by Democrats and Republicans alike. It will require a significant degree of lobbying to influence the thinking of both Congress and the Senate,” said SDLP councilor P.J. Bradley.

The SDLP has also come out in support of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR).

“The SDLP believes that the best line, and perhaps the only line, to follow is that taken by the ILIR. The ILIR is supporting the Ted Kennedy/John McCain bill.

“This exemplary group of Irish Americans are in the midst of taking their lobbying show on the road. They have already been to Yonkers in New York when at that inaugural public meeting over 1,000 of our sons and daughters signed up in support of ILIR. People living here with relatives working in the U.S. should advise them of the pending meetings and of the information they can obtain by attending.”

The ILIR, meanwhile, is seeking help to coordinate its town hall meeting in Queens on Friday, February 17. Anyone interested in helping out is asked to attend a meeting at the Gaslight Pub in Sunnyside on Saturday, February 11 at 2 p.m.

For further information contact Jimmy at 646-269-9471 or Colm at 718-706-6323.

The Queens meeting will take place at St. Mary’s Hall in Woodside at 70-20 47th Avenue.