Sir, – The news of 10,500 extra working visas for Irish people as well as the new hope being offered to undocumented in the United States by immigration reforms (Simon Carswell, World News, May 23rd) is an example which politicians here should follow.
While the reforms in Washington DC are bringing hope to Irish families on both sides of the Atlantic, they stand in stark contrast to the uncertainty, fear and heartbreak facing many here in Ireland because of the failure of successive governments to reform our own immigration system.
As a first step the Government should introduce its long-awaited policy on family reunification and set out clear rules for Irish citizens and migrants legally living here who have been torn apart from loved ones.
Another reform must be to offer a clear and transparent independent appeals system to those who have had their applications rejected by the cumbersome and bureaucratic system. The Office of the Ombudsman has already said it is willing to take on this role.
There are many other areas that require reform, including much improved access for workers who can help fill the skills gap in many of our high tech and foreign language sectors.
Our political leaders were quick to mobilise our full diplomatic and lobbying ability in Washington DC to bring about reforms there, now it is time for them to look much closer to home. – Yours, etc,
DENISE CHARLTON,
Chief Executive,
Immigrant Council of Ireland,
St Andrew Street,
Dublin 2.