KevinfromKinsaleviaNYC
7/7/2016 15:31 EST
From the July 9 2015 Irish Times:
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/social-affairs/government-considers-proposal-on-undocumented-migrants-1.2278107
"Department of Justice officials are considering a proposal aimed at regularising the status of up to 20,000 undocumented migrants living and working in the Republic".
"A two-year probationary period would apply and, on exiting the scheme, the person granted residency could earn their way to citizenship."
"Individuals would not have access to social security or social housing during the period, in common with existing rules on the need for housing applicants to be “habitually resident” here."
The scheme also claims to have the potential to generate almost €20 million in the form of registration fees."
"Helen Lowry of the MRCI said undocumented men, women and children in Ireland had the same struggles, hopes and dreams as undocumented Irish in the United States."
“Many are here long-term, working, paying taxes and rearing families. The improving economy and the significant length of time undocumented migrants have lived here make this an opportune time for a comprehensive solution.”
BUT WHAT ABOUT RETIREES WHO COME TO IRELAND LEGALLY BUT ARE NOT ENTITLED TO PERMANENT RESIDENCY OR CITIZENSHIP?
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dave8408e
7/7/2016 16:12 EST
It's in keeping with that old Irish tradition I see in practice every day here: "It's better to ask forgiveness than to ask permission."
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Deb3990
7/12/2016 10:27 EST
Excellent question Kevin! I will be posing it to Deputy Fergus O'Dowd this week!
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KevinfromKinsaleviaNYC
7/12/2016 11:12 EST
Deb, please give Deputy O'Dowd my best. He should know that we are coordinated.
Perhaps you circumstances are different than mine - I have yet to apply for permission to remain and therefore do not expect to be grandfathered - but I hope you will support the desires of people like me who need to have the rules changed for everyone. I will be in Ireland in a month. If you have any suggestions for me, please let me know.
Good luck.
Kevin
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KevinfromKinsaleviaNYC
7/12/2016 11:23 EST
You may have already seen this exchange in a recent inquiry from Irish TD Fergus O’Dowd to the Minister for Justice on behalf of Irish Americans who wish to retire to Ireland:
https://www.kildarestreet.com/wrans/?id=2016-06-29a.142&s=stamp+0#g143.q
Retirees need a path to permanent residency that is no longer available under the new rules.
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Deb3990
7/12/2016 12:14 EST
Hi Kevin,
My husband and I are planning to retire to Ireland but we have a couple more years before we can make the move. We are in the US, and we both have Irish heritage but not close enough to give us any advantage. The only thing worse than having the rules change, is having the rules change for those who are already living there! I do indeed support the desires of all Global Irish who wish to retire to Ireland and those who wish to stay in Ireland!
We recently returned from 3 weeks in Ireland and spent 3 lovely days in Kinsale. Wonderful town, simply beautiful!
I recently found Deputy O'Dowd's email address via a petition on change.org created by Annie Moore. The petition needs more supporters in order to be formally sent to the Irish Minister of Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald. Here is the link to said petition.
https://www.change.org/p/help-the-global-irish-retire-to-ireland
Annie posted an update just yesterday (June 11) and it seems we do have the ear of Deputy O'Dowd.
You can follow the links and see the latest conversation between O'Dowd and Fitzgerald. Annie has also encouraged writing to Fergus O'Dowd.
I believe that those who wish to live in Ireland are seeking the culture and lifestyle so many of our ancestors had to leave behind. It is a "coming home", even if you have never lived there. I can't imagine that anyone wanting to live there wouldn't also be prepared to be and remain self-sufficient, and contribute to Irish society in a positive way, Just as I'm sure that's the intent of those who have already made the move.
I wish you luck in your quest for permission to remain. Please do sign the petition and send it to others.
I'll be monitoring this topic so I expect we'll chat again.
Best,
Debbie
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KevinfromKinsaleviaNYC
7/12/2016 13:56 EST
Deb, you stated the case both eloquently and beautifully.
Although I do feel I would rather be one of the retirees currently in Ireland. Although it must be quite a stressful time for them, I believe that they will (if not already) be grandfathered under the old rules for the remainder of their years in Ireland. They deserve this special status and I wish them well although they may never receive the permanent residency they also deserve for their contributions to the Irish economy and it's culture.
I am glad you loved Kinsale. I also feel it is a special place although it seems that Ireland is full of so many special places and people. I am looking forward to being back in Kinsale as it has been too long. I purchased the home for my retirement but for now, I can only enjoy it for a few months a year.
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Deb3990
7/30/2016 16:34 EST
HomeToIreland,
I may have mislead some. I sent an email to Mr. O'Dowd. I do not have the fortune of speaking to him directly. I've been away from the forums for a bit and now I see some encouraging movement what with the IrishCentral article. Thank you Kevin!!
The support for both petitions are growing very quickly today!
I'm planning to introduce the topic to the Ancestry.com users. Couldn't hurt, right?
Deb
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KevinfromKinsaleviaNYC
7/30/2016 22:29 EST
Deb, I do not think you misled anyone. I think someone misread your previous message or read more into it than they should have.
I am on Ancestry.com and have been tearing my hair out to figure out how to communicate with all of those overseas Irish that are using it. Have you figured it out? If so, please let me know how I may be of help.
Things are getting pretty exciting. I am leaving for Ireland for six weeks on Tuesday. I plan on doing a massive tour of the countryside in search of my retirement home.
If I can do anything for anyone while there, please let me know, especially if it involves real estate which is my passion!
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Deb3990
7/31/2016 13:32 EST
Hi Kevin,
How lovely to know you will be there in a few days' time and for 6 weeks! Best of luck with the search for your Ireland home!
When we were there in June, we mentioned wanting to retire in the countryside to a few locals, (including the driver we hired, who has become a good friend) and none were aware of the new immigration requirements for Irish Americans. Most said something along the lines of, "Ah, ye just come over, don't ye?" "Sure, no one will bother you about it." I wonder how the topic would fare if more Irish citizens were aware of the details?
As to Ancestry members, yes, it is proving more difficult than I expected. Not really any forums that have open topics. Next attempt will be connecting with members that are researching the same surnames and see if I can introduce the subject. I'm also looking for other types of genealogy sites that may offer a better "venue" for discussion. Are you aware of "Ireland Reaching Out"? Url is http://www.irelandxo.com. I just stumbled on it last night. Irish citizens helping the Global Irish to research their heritage. Take a look if you have time before you leave.
Nice to talk with you Kevin, and again, thank you for all you have done for the cause!
Slán abhaile
Deb
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PSJ
7/31/2016 19:29 EST
Hello, I lost the email for the petiton signup, would someone post it again? Thanks
Paula
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Deb3990
7/31/2016 21:15 EST
Hi Paula,
There are two petitions. Links are:
https://www.change.org/p/help-the-global-irish-retire-to-ireland
https://www.change.org/p/fergus-odowd-td-in-ireland-let-americans-retire-in-ireland
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KevinfromKinsaleviaNYC
7/31/2016 21:56 EST
https://www.change.org/p/help-the-global-irish-retire-to-ireland
If you could also forward to friends and family or post to Facebook, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.
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