Church official: Irish hope for success of U.S. immigration reform

Published: 2007-04-19

DUBLIN, Ireland (CNS) -- Irish citizens with family members living and working in the United States without visas are hoping for the success of U.S. immigration reform, said the director of the Irish bishops' Commission for Emigrants. "The atmosphere in Dublin among the families was one of eagerness to find out what is going on in the campaign for immigration reform," Father Alan Hilliard, commission director, told Catholic News Service after an April 14 rally in Dublin to show support for legislation in the United States. The rally, sponsored by the Commission for Emigrants, was attended by Irish politicians from major political parties. "There is a lot going on behind the scenes to create a cross-party partnership between Democrats and Republicans in the (U.S.) Senate, and we're trying to assist that, but there is an understanding among family members that these efforts could come to nothing," he said.

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