away now!
Posted on 02/28/2007 11:12:23 AM PST by Graybeard58
SAN FRANCISCO In a cozy room above a Russian market and a Shanghai-style restaurant, an Irish nanny gently rocked an American baby.
When the nanny reveals that she hails from the Emerald Isle, she said, American citizens are usually warm and welcoming and many speak proudly of their own Irish heritage.
They don't suspect her secret. They'd never imagine that the San Francisco nanny feels a special bond with millions of others, most from Latin America or Asia, who are illegal immigrants just as she is.
"The Irish are a bit luckier. We speak English, and we tend to get the better jobs," said the $17-an-hour, full-time nanny. She requested anonymity because she feared she and her 8-year-old son could be located and deported.
Next month, in what some call a critical turning point for their cause, the nanny and more than 150 other undocumented Irish and supporters from California will travel to Washington, D.C., to join a rally on March 7 outside Congress.
Donning "Legalize the Irish" T-shirts, they are expected to join thousands to lobby Congress for an increase in work-based immigrant visas and enactment of a program for undocumented workers to earn legal status.
They have powerful allies on Capitol Hill, and they hope to woo more.
Once more numerous, undocumented Irish immigrants are today estimated at about 50,000 nationwide, a number that pales in comparison to Latin Americans, Chinese or Indians, but could be matched, for instance, by undocumented Polish immigrants.
A decline in Irish immigration in recent years is attributed to Ireland's unprecedented economic boom, the so-called "Celtic Tiger."
The European Union has invested billions in grants to develop infrastructure, and the Irish embrace of the high-tech industry is fueling economic growth.
But some Irish arrived in America on tourist visas before the emergence of the Celtic Tiger, staying because they found plenty of work here. Also flocking to the United States are those from less-prosperous Northern Ireland.
In 2005, out of a total of more than 1.1 million people who were granted legal residency, only 2,088 were Irish. Most were married to U.S. citizens or legal residents.
In a separate lottery competition that reserves 50,000 slots a year for people from around the world, only 160 slots were won by Irish in 2006.
LOL!!
Or Irish citizenship for a New Mexican girl? ;)
That was me two years ago, gave it up after my head got friendly with the sidewalk!
away now!
Up to her! ;)
You understand that your future babies will have more aunts and uncles than any babies in history?????
Yes! ;)
Auntie Sherri
:)
I was astounded to see that "lunch" for the young construction workers in Dublin consisted of a Paddy, a Guinness, a Paddy and a Guinness. They then went out to their jackhammers once again. I was afraid to look down and see if any hobbled for lack of toes!
A fall from a bar stool is not so bad. A jackhammer on the ankle must smite a bit!
Or head colliding with a pavement...
I dunno, that liquid lunch is generally more an English thing, Paddy just drinks in the evening! ;)
You may thank me by naming your first child O'Shimmer
" I think we better meet first!! 
Umm...ask Irish.
I think we better meet first!!
uh, that was the necessary delay I was talking about! hoot! :D
;)
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