February 17, 2011
By Staff Reporter
They might have found one in Rep. Bill Delahunt from Massachusetts, the same state from which Congressman Brian Donnelly led the charge in the late 1980s that resulted in the Donnelly visas.
Rep. Delahunt met in his Washington, D.C. office last week with Irish lobby for Immigration Reform leaders, national president Ciaran Staunton, and Massachusetts directors Hugh Meehan and Jimmy Gallagher, to discuss the issue of immigration reform and the situation facing the undocumented Irish, particularly in his congressional district, the tenth.
Delahunt is well positioned on immigration issues being a member House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Judiciary Committee where much of any future immigration reform legislation will be decided.
“Congressman Delahunt could not have been more supportive of our proposals in support of comprehensive immigration reform and a system guaranteeing future migration for the Irish,” said Staunton.
“We were touched and humbled by his graciousness and solidarity on the issues. And we were deeply honored when he told us we could regard him, ‘as our leader in the House on immigration reform.'”
“Not only that,” added Gallagher, “Congressman Delahunt went out of his way to show concern and compassion for the undocumented Irish in his district.”
Staunton concluded by saying: “In the past we were able to celebrate the Donnelly and Morrison visas. Hopefully, we will soon be able to rejoice in the Delahunt visas.”
During the meeting, Delahunt praised ILIR’s work for immigration reform.
“ILIR has done a great job letting Congress know Irish America supports fair and comprehensive immigration reform. I look forward to highlighting these issues when they come before my committee and on the floor of Congress,” said Delahunt.
“The Irish have made a fantastic contribution to the development of our great country through hard work and sacrifice. I pledge to ILIR and the Irish American community my help in changing the tough situation facing many of today’s Irish Immigrants, both in my district and across the United States.
I also look forward to ensuring that future Irish migrants have the ability to come to America, to have the opportunities my grandparents had when they came here,” he said.