August 2012 - Chicago Irish Immigrant Support Newsletter

A Message From The Executive Director - Breandán G. Magee

August 2012

A Word from our Executive Director

If you are like most of us you couldn't help but notice that we are in the full swing of Olympic fever. But while the more popular sports such as swimming and gymnastics have taken center stage, a true Olympic drama is being played out in the homes and on the TV screens of people across Ireland. Ireland's hope of its first Olympic Gold Medal in boxing in 20 years rested firmly on the shoulders of boxer Katie Taylor, 26 who made it to the Olympics after winning gold at the World Games in 2010. She then went on to win her Olympic lightweight gold medal match against Russia's Sofya Ochigava to the delight of her fans across Ireland and beyond.

Her story in many ways encapsulates the fighting Irish spirit, a pluckiness that we like to think unique to the Irish and that has undoubtedly endeared her to the Irish people. But her story is also in many ways the story of the Irish in America. Boxing is hardly the first sport of choice that one would imagine for a young, outwardly religious woman from Wicklow, yet despite the odds she not only made it to the Olympics but won gold as one of the first women's Olympic Boxing Champions.

Such is the story of the Irish in America, for against all the odds they made it across the Atlantic with only their hopes and dreams and a determination to succeed. When they arrived here the real fight had only just begun but they rose to the challenge and through hard work and a belief in themselves they triumphed. America would not be what it is today without the Irish and nor indeed would Ireland be what it is today without the Irish in America.

The Olympics may be a venue for competition between countries and sportsmen and women but they also bring us together as a global family celebrating the best qualities of humanity. In the name of sportsmanship we put aside our differences and politics and bask in thrill of the competition. I find it not only encouraging but a sign of the America that we have become that, while all being US citizens, over 40 of Team USA's 600 Olympians were foreign born. America has always been a nation of immigrants and just as the Irish contributed to the fabric of this great nation so too do our recently arrived immigrants and Olympians. Go Team USA. Go Team Ireland.

DREAM’ers Get Relief

It has been a hot summer in more ways than one for 2012 as the soaring temperatures have been met by major movement on the immigration front. President Obama announced in June the DREAM Act relief, which takes effect this month. The executive order will affect at least 800,000 young, undocumented immigrants who are living in the United States.

Under the directive, deferred action could be granted on a case-by-case basis to individuals who meet the following criteria: if they came to the United States when they were younger than 16, if they have continuously resided in the United States for at least five years before June 15 2012, and if they were present in the United States on June 15, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Also, individuals may qualify if they are in school, have graduated from high school, have obtained a GED or are honorably discharged veterans of the armed forces.

Some may qualify if they have not been convicted of a felony, significant misdemeanor offense or multiple misdemeanor offenses, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety. Finally, they may not be older than 30.

The directive provides a path to legalization for thousands of young people brought here by their parents through no fault of their own and who feel as American as those born here. It is a major move forward for immigration advocates and is welcomed by Chicago Irish Immigrant Support.

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrants and Refugee Rights will hold a workshop for thousands of DREAM Act eligible young people at Navy Pier on August 15. If you or anyone you know may be eligible for this deferred action contact our office on 773 282 8445 for more information on how to apply.

Arrivals and Departures

This summer sees Chicago Irish Vice Consul Tim Reilly return to Dublin to assume a new post within the Department of Foreign Affairs in Iveagh House. Tim will spend the next two years in Ireland working on developing business links with the Irish Diaspora. As Vice Consul to Chicago for the last 5 years he forged strong links with the Irish community in the mid west and provided invaluable support to Chicago Irish Immigrant Support (CIIS). The board and staff of CIIS would like to thank him for his tireless efforts on behalf of Chicago’s Irish community and for the dedicated commitment that he has shown to the Irish life, culture and people of the mid west.

We also welcome Katie Hamilton, Public Affairs Officer and Chicago native to the Irish Consulate. Katie with her background in communications will focus on digital outreach for the next year.

A fond farewell also to the Trinity Trio, our social work interns from Trinity College Dublin who spent 12 weeks with CIIS on their field placement as part of their Bachelor’s in Social Work. Niall Cahill, Romy Monseux and Sarah Daly worked with our senior groups and learned the ropes with our Department of Social Services. The trio returned to Ireland this month to complete their studies but hope to return to Chicago again.

And finally we would like to welcome intern Erin Hegarty to CIIS. Erin, a communications major from North Park University will be interning with our Department of Social Services and has been tasked with increasing our outreach to seniors’ centers in the Chicago area.

Irish Ambassador to the USA Michael Collins pays a visit to Chicago

Ambassador Michael Collins visited Chicago July 24 to host an event at the AON Center in downtown Chicago. Noted guests included Pat Ryan of the AON Corporation, former Ambassador to Ireland Jim Kenny and representatives from Notre Dame University. The event was organized to promote the upcoming Navy - Notre Dame football game in Dublin this month. Having hosted an event in Maryland for Navy he returned the gesture on home turf for the Fighting Irish.

The game is pegged to attract up to 35,000 American fans, which would mean more Americans in Dublin for the event than went to the Olympic Games in London; it is also estimated to pump over $100 million into the struggling Irish economy. Many from Chicago are expected to make the trip in support of students from Loyola Catholic High School who are also due to play on the day.

The Ambassador also took time out to meet with representatives from Chicago Irish Immigrant Support and Billy Lawless, Chairman of the Chicago Celts. Issues pertaining to the summer Irish J1 students in Chicago were discussed as was the recent moves on the Hill in relation to the Irish E3 bill. The Ambassador assured those present that the Irish government was working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure passage of the bill and expressed the government’s continued support of the work being done by Irish groups on the ground.





Social Services News - Paul Dowling

August 2012

Welcome!

This month CIIS was delighted to welcome Erin Hegarty, our newest intern. Erin recently graduated from North Park University with a B.A. in Communications and will be spending 12 weeks with us working to promote or senior services throughout the Chicagoland area. Erin traces her family's heritage to county Mayo and is no stranger to the Irish American Heritage Center where she took Irish dance lessons. Glad to have you on board, Erin!

Senior Group Programming

We have been working hard over the summer break to put together another season of great senior group programs both at the Irish American Heritage Center and Gaelic Park. We won't give the surprise away just but we can promise a lively schedule of educational classes, trips, and general interest topics.

We will be officially launching our fall season of programs by celebrating mass at each of our sites. At the Irish American Heritage Center we will be joined by our own Fr. Michael Leonard at 10.00am on Thursday 13th September. Fr. Karl Langsdorf of the St Patrick's Fathers will be doing the honors at Gaelic Park on Wednesday 19th September at 10.00am.



Pastoral Care - Father Michael Leonard

AN IMMIGRANT’S MUSINGS

SUPREME COURT RULES

As I have stated in the past, my musings in this space are often a response to what has already happened. I do, however, respond to questions from my gentle readers. One such question I recently received was: “Now that the Supreme Court has struck down most of Arizona’s immigration law, where does that leave us?”

In answering this question, first I’d like to quote from Justice Kennedy, who wrote the majority opinion:

"The National Government has significant power to regulate immigration. With power comes responsibility, and the sound exercise of national power over immigration depends on the Nation's meeting its responsibility to base its laws on a political will informed by searching, thought­ful, rational civic discourse. Arizona may have understandable frustrations with the problems caused by illegal immigration while that process continues, but the State may not pursue policies that undermine federal law."

So, here is how I read the Supreme Court decision, it changes nothing. It importantly clarifies that responsibility to regulate our immigration laws resides with the federal government. This clarification is important because a number of other states have also tried to fix the problem of illegal immigration in ways that are similar to Arizona’s efforts. To allow the individual states in the union to have a multiplicity of immigration laws would make no sense whatever.

This decision also points out something that has been blatantly obvious to most people for a long time, namely, that the Nation (The Federal Government) has failed in its responsibility to exercise its powers to mend a broken system. Arizona’s frustration is understandable and whatever side of the isle our elected officials sit, they are the people with whom the blame lies.

Also, Justice Kennedy’s pointing to the Government’s responsibility that it form laws based; “on a political will informed by searching, thought­ful, rational civic discourse” is a clear reminder to our elected officials and national commentators, of the urgent need, to return to a genuine process of consensus building legislation that is based not on the whims of looking to the next election cycle, but to the long term and common good of the Nation.

The one part of the law that survived the Supreme Court, “the show me your papers” provision, is worrisome. The question that most sensible people are asking is; how do police officers know who is here legally or not by simply looking at a person? If this is not an invitation to racial profiling, then let someone please explain that to me! Surely, we are capable of writing better laws that this.

ENCOURAGEMENT

Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th-century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man.

The old fellow had some sketches and drawings that he wanted Rossetti to look at and tell him if they were any good, or if they at least showed potential talent. Rossetti looked over them carefully. After the first few, he knew that they were worthless but Rossetti was a kind man, he told the elderly man as gently as possible that the pictures were without much value and showed little talent. He was sorry, but he could not lie to the man. The man was disappointed, but seemed to expect Rossetti’s judgment. The old man then apologized for taking up Rossetti’s time, but asked him to look at a few more drawings. Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. “These,” he said, “oh, these are good.”“This young student has a great talent. He should be given every help and encouragement. He has a great future.”Rossetti could see that the old fellow was deeply moved.“Who is this fine young artist?” he asked. ”Your son?”“No,” said the old man sadly.“It is me  - 40 years ago. If only I had heard your praise then! For you see, I got discouraged and gave up – too soon.”Author Unknown

Should you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at: sliabhanoir at yahoo.com or 773-282-8445



Immigration News & Articles

Immigration News

Obama Administration’s Relief Process for Eligible Undocumented Youth

On June 15, 2012, President Barack Obama announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) would not deport certain DREAM Act–eligible undocumented youth. Under a directive from the secretary of DHS, these youth will be given a type of temporary permission to stay in the U.S. called “deferred action.” Deferred action will be valid for two years and may be renewed at the end of the two years. Individuals who receive deferred action may apply for and may obtain employment authorization.

IMPORTANT: The federal government will not accept deferred action applications until August 15, 2012. If you apply now, your application will be rejected.

DREAM ACT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) click here!

DREAM Relief Announcement

Chicago, Illinois -- Congressman Luis Gutierrez joined the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) to announce DREAM Relief Day on August 15 at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom from 9 am to 2 pm and to unveil the website DreamRelief.org, where undocumented youth will be able to apply for their work permits starting August 15.