Public Meeting-Migration, Integration, Deportation: the effect on all of us.

cork | racism & migration related issues | event notice Saturday May 08, 2010 21:06 by Joe Moore - Cork Anti Racism Network mapuche at eircom dot net 087-2994796

A public meeting entitled "Migration, Integration, Deportation: the effect on all of us" will take place on Thursday 20th May at 8.00pm in the Victoria Hotel, Patrick St, Cork. The meeting, hosted by the Cork Anti Racism Network, will be addressed by Yomi Ogunyemi (Irish Born Children Campaign), Theresa Obi (CARN) and Naomi Ejeye (CARN).

Migration, Integration, Deportation: the effect on all of us.

Since the 1840s half the people born in Ireland have emigrated. It is now estimated that there are over 80 million people of Irish decent living outside the country. The main reasons for this huge level of emigration were political and religious persecution and economic necessity. The Irish diaspora worked hard and fully integrated into their adopted countries. This is evident from the number of people of Irish decent who became leaders in all areas of civil society.

Since the early 1990's Ireland has become a destination for immigrants from other parts of the world. The people coming here are also fleeing from political and religious persecution and are also coming here out of economic necessity. Like the Irish abroad, the new migrants have integrated into their adopted country. But the government does not treat them as it would like other countries to treat Irish migrants. They are not allowed to work or to have access to 3rd level education, nor have adults the right to second level education. Finally, after living here for many years, the majority are served with deportation orders.

In Ireland, asylum seekers are denied the right to work. Instead they are given 19.10 euros per week to live on. Many are fully qualified professionals, who are willing to work, and would be assets to society and add value to the economy.

Deportations affect not only its victims but also the "native" Irish. We lose friends, neighbours and even family members. Irish citizen children are deported; how will they react when they return as adults to claim their rights? Legislation which is currently used against asylum seekers can in the future be used against Irish people. Unless all of us, Irish and migrant, black and white, stand together in solidarity, we will all be victims.

These issues will be debated in full at a public meeting entitled "Migration, Integration, Deportation: The Effect on All of Us." to be held on Thursday 20th May at 8.00pm in the Victoria Hotel, Patrick St. Cork.

Speakers, Yomi Ogunyemi, (spokesperson Irish Born Children campaign)
Theresa Obi (Cork Anti Racism Network)
Naomi Ejeye (Cork Anti Racism Network)