Archive for May, 2007

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First round of senate debate on immigration reform ends

Monday, May 28th, 2007

The US Senate bill for comprehensive immigration reform survived the first round of debate last week. Debate will resume next week.

According to Sheila Gleeson of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers, several amendments were defeated on Thursday night. These included:

• The Coleman amendment, which would have allowed local government officials to inquire about immigration status, was defeated 48-49.
• The Dorgan amendment, which would have removed the guest worker programme from the bill, was also defeated 48-49.
• The Sanders amendment, which increased fees for H-1B visas to $5,000, was passed 59-35.
• The Vitter amendment, which would have prevented legalisation for the undocumented by eliminating the proposed Z visa programme, was defeated 29-66.

Ireland’s success can be model for new EU: McAleese

Friday, May 25th, 2007

Ireland’s success in attracting emigrants home emerged as a major theme of President Mary McAleese’s remarks during her visit to Latvia and Lithuania this week.

During her visit to Latvia on Tuesday, President McAleese said, ‘The largest number of Irish migrants left because they had little opportunity at home. We know they would wish to come home, so it’s important to explain to them what’s happening in Ireland now”.

President McAleese told Lithuanians, “As your economy expands, many Lithuanians currently living in Ireland will surely feel the pull of home”. She added, “When they do return, they will bring with them valued skills and experience to help develop your own country as it seeks to reap the full advantages of EU membership.”

“The New Irish”: Dundalk IT, 27-28 September 2007

Friday, May 25th, 2007

“The New Irish” is the theme of the third annual conferrence of The Centre for the Study of Culture and Society in the Department of Humanities, Dundalk Institute of Technology.

The conference will focus on questions about the Irish diaspora, immigration, young people, and globalisation following Ireland’s change from a nation plagued by poverty and emigration to a booming, self-confident nation of immigration. Organisers say, “This conference hopes to open a dialogue on the identity and the representation of the ‘New Irish’.”

They expect contributions from fields as diverse as “literature, literary theory, cultural studies, linguistics, film, media, visual arts, theatre, music, archaeology, history, geography, politics, economics, social policy, sociology and community studies”.

Migrant workers disadvantaged in workplace

Friday, May 25th, 2007

Migrant workers in Europe are likely to experience disadvantage in the workplace, according to a new report from the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions.

The report investigated employment conditions of workers who travelled from one country to another for any reason, found that migrants in Europe face segregation into low-paid jobs with little opportunity for mobility. They are more likely than non-migrants to  face unhealthy working conditions; work longer hours; and perform night, weekend and shift work. They are also more frequently exposed to discrimination in the workplace.

Migrant workers are often overqualified for the work they do, are exposed to greater job insecurity and are more likely to be unemployed. Despite these additional hardships, migrant workers are often poorly represented by trade unions.

Download the report from the Eurofound website.

Europass offers assistance in qualification translation

Thursday, May 24th, 2007

As students finish up their summer exams, they are likely to spot signs for an initiative called “Europass”. Europass.ie bills itself as an initiative that helps make skills and qualifications more easily understood in Europe. It is aimed at job-seekers and those enrolling in education or training. The service makes it easier for employers to understand job-seekers’ competencies, and for education and training practicioners to advice people on suitable learning paths.

The service allows users to create a straightforward CV and complete a self-assessment of language skills, and offers information on mobility, certificate and diploma supplements. The service is free of charge and available throughout Europe.

Visit www.europass.ie.

Galway migrants’ views sought

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007

Galway City’s Writer-in-Residence programme is seeking the experiences of immigrants and returning migrants for a publication it will produce later in the year.

An ad placed in yesterday’s Galway First newspaper notes, “Galway means “Town of the Foreigners”. The ad says they are looking for “your experiences, good, bad, funny or sad. Or just something strange that you may have encountered, or a story about something strange that happened to you, or perhaps to somebody that you know. We welcome stories in any language, but please do not make them any longer than 500 words.” They note they will guarantee anonymity if desired.

Poet Michael O’Loughlin is the writer in residence this year. Contact him by email.

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