Undocumented Irish in US face another Christmas with no visit home - Ring

Taoiseach must step up campaign for bilateral arrangementFine Gael Community Affairs Spokesman Michael Ring TD has said tens ofthousands of undocumented Irish in the US face another Christmaswithout seeing their families and he hopes the new year will bringnews of progress in regularising their status.In that context Deputy Ring has urged the Taoiseach to drive forwardthe campaign for a bilateral arrangement with the US administration."The grim reality of another Christmas where they are unable to visitIreland for fear of not being allowed to return home is facing theundocumented Irish in the US and this year they also face increasedfear of deportation."A recent Fine Gael motion urging a bilateral agreement attractedcross-party support and there is no doubt that Irish people here athome strongly want to see this matter resolved. I am pleased that theTaoiseach has confirmed he raised this issue during a telephoneconversation with Senator Ted Kennedy but I urge him to step up thecampaign for a bilateral agreement and throw his weight behind everyeffort for a deal for the undocumented Irish. After another sadChristmas for the undocumented Irish and their families here Isincerely wish that the new year will bring new hope of progress onthis issue."