By April Drew

NOW that the Congress has adjourned for the electoral period without enacting comprehensive immigration reform – though the House and Senate did agree to build a 700-mile fence along the U.S./Mexico border - where does that leave the estimated 50,000 undocumented Irish in the U.S.?

More determined than ever to press ahead for reform either in a lame duck session of Congress after the elections, or when the body reconvenes next year.

“There have been indications that the legislation could be picked up during the so-called ‘lame duck’ period between the November 7 elections and the formation of the new Congress in January. This would be a fantastic Christmas present for the Irish undocumented as a bill could allow them to adjust their status sooner rather than later,” said Kelly Fincham, executive director of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR).

If the polls to date are correct then the Democrats will pilot at least the House when Congress comes back in 2007. If this is so and nothing is passed in the lame duck period then there is a distinct probability that one of the first issues that the new Congress will put back on the table will be comprehensive immigration reform.

Mary, from Co. Kerry, who lost her brother in a tragic car accident and who missed out on her sister’s wedding a few weeks ago, said she’s positive something good will eventually happen.

“I have definitely not lost all hope and it is my expectation that all other undocumented remain positive also. I was half expecting this to happen anyway this year because it is an election year,” she said.

Mary feels positive that the new Congress “will get a comprehensive immigration bill passed within the first few months of the new year because the polls show that the American people want it passed.” She also feels that President Bush’s support for a guest worker program is essential in the months ahead.

ILIR’s website is being overhauled this week to emphasize the Irish aspect of the broken immigration system. The website will feature testimonies from the Irish undocumented, facts and figures on Irish immigration and updates on new ILIR chapters across the country. ILIR are already in the process of establishing new chapters in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Tom, originally from Co. Tipperary, also remains optimistic.

“I feel that things are going very well for us to be honest. We must keep on track, we must keep the momentum up because next year is going to be twice as important,” he said.

“There is no doubt that we can hit that finish line next year but everyone, and I mean everyone, needs to get on board and join the same page,” he said.

But some people are not as positive and feel that things are falling by the wayside. Siobhan, from Co. Down, tells the Irish Voice that she has lost all faith.

“A few months back I called my family back home and told them that it looked like we were going to be getting some sort of green card this year. I was bitterly disappointed when the House of Representatives held those meaningless hearings throughout the summer,” she says.

“What stupid obvious stalling tactics. I was very upset last Friday when Congress adjourned and now the issue is put back on the long finger again.”

Siobhan did say she will keep on praying and hopes that the Democrats will come out on top of this election, and then maybe the issue will be addressed yet again.

Norma, from Co. Kerry, is also disgruntled with the delay but hasn’t given up all hope.

“Now the immigration bill has been put on hold until after the November elections and then there will be the Christmas recess, it will be January before anything is done,” she says.

“I just wonder will it be a whole lot of hassle, but I’m willing to give it until June next year, then I will return home for a family wedding. If by then nothing has come into effect I’ll just take my chances.”

Peter, from Co. Mayo, said that he has waited this long and is definitely not going to loose hope now.

“I still remain very optimistic and I want to remind people that it took us two years to get the Morrison visas and ILIR isn’t a year old yet, so if you ask me we are well ahead of schedule,” he feels.

“I’d put my Super Bowl money on us being able to travel home for the All-Ireland next year, even if it is to see Mayo being annihilated again,” he jokes.

ILIR will continue to lobby selected representatives for comprehensive immigration reform. In addition, they will have a strong presence at the Ulster hurling final in Canton, Massachusetts between New York and Antrim on October 22.