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What President Trump means for the 50,000 undocumented Irish in the US

‘The Irish once had that extra bit of clout but those days are gone now.’

DONALD TRUMP’S COMMENTS on immigration sparked concern for the undocumented Irish living in the US throughout his campaign, now that he has been elected, that concern has turned to fear.

The Republican regularly stated his plans to track down and deport illegal US residents if he became president.

In an interview with CNN in August, Trump was asked if he would deport those who have lived in the US peacefully but without papers, he said:

There is a very good chance the answer could be yes … we’re going to see what happens.

US Immigration Attorney with USAVisaNow.net Caro Kinsella told TheJournal.ie that she’s hoping he didn’t mean everything he said:

I’m hoping what he stated during the campaign was just to get votes, the first speech he gave after being elected was much calmer. He’s a businessman so he may have just been selling something to the public to get votes.

Between 11 and 12 million illegal immigrants are believed to be living in the US, some 50,000 of those are understood to be Irish. During his campaign the Republican outlined three ways that he wanted to deal with illegal immigrants.

He said he planned to take away the birthright of US citizenship from children whose parents are illegal, referring to them as ‘anchor babies’.

He also said he wanted to cut federal funding to the 300 sanctuary cities in the US that adopt policies designed not to prosecute people solely for being undocumented.

Describing Trump’s other promise to have a mass deportation within his first 100 days in office, Kinsella said, “A mass deportation is physically and technically not possible – it was done for shock and awe.

She said the system would be overloaded as there are millions of undocumented people in the US and the system simply wouldn’t be able to tolerate it.

Yes people can be deported – but the thought of pulling people from their sleep and jobs is not going to happen.First they go through the deportation centre and then they have the right to a hearing before an immigration judge and the right to fight their case and discuss the reliefs available to them.

‘People are afraid’

“It makes me very nervous to be honest with you. It’s nervous times and worrying times ahead.”

Mike from Donegal has been living in New York illegally for the past 23 years. He explained to Drivetime on RTÉ Radio 1:

I came here as a young fella when I was 19 years of age. You don’t have any thoughts, I just came over travelling and ended up staying.

“Now I’m married to an Irish girl from Donegal and I have three American kids aged 13, 12 and 5.”

Asked if he’s worried that he could be deported, Mike said, “I can’t say it’s not going to happen, it’s possible. There’s no point in me saying I’m not worried, I am.

“He’s in and nothing can be done about it and nothing can be changed … the only people who can help us is the Irish Government.”

Kinsella said she has witnessed this type of concern steadily increasing over the past year in the shadow of Trump’s threats.

“We were getting a flurry of emails and calls every time the media reported something he said. Their question was, ‘If Trump gets in, how will that effect my case?’

In the last 12 months it has been gathering momentum. People have been getting more and more anxious and since he’s won, that concern exponentially increased.

Executive Director of Chicago Irish Immigrant Support, Michael Collins reiterated this to TheJournal.ie and stated how, “The two months preceding the election have been extremely busy for our legal program.

People are afraid. The past two months, and in the days since the election, we have had a higher than usual amount of immigration inquiries … we have also gotten calls from Irish immigrants who are now looking to return home.

“I anticipate this to increase dramatically over the coming weeks. People will try to get their paperwork in order before he takes office.”

Uncertainty 

With the future looking uncertain for many Irish who have set up their lives in America, what is the Irish government doing to help?

Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government Simon Coveney said the government will continue to advocate for the millions of undocumented Irish, saying, “We will work with you.”

When asked by TheJournal.ie what the Irish government planned to do, Coveney said:

We will continue to work with those people regardless of the administration in the US and we will continue to advocate on Capitol Hill, in the Senate, as we have done, and in the White House.

“The relationship between Irish people abroad and Irish people at home needs to be a strong one and this government has a responsibility towards those people and we take it very seriously.”

When asked if the negotiations between the American and Irish governments to bring about more rights for the undocumented Irish are dead in the water, Coveney said:

“Well, look let’s wait see. I think we shouldn’t jump to conclusions based on a campaign, as I have said, that has been very divisive and difficult. I think we need to judge Donald Trump now on how he behaves and what he says as a president and let’s wait and see where that takes us.”

Ireland’s first emigrant senator, Billy Lawless, empathised with the undocumented Irish, saying, “They do not know what the future holds or whether they are safe.”

He added that the Vice-President Elect has a great affinity for Ireland and was one of the few Republican congressman to advocate for common sense immigration reform.

“Mike Pence is a key figure in the Trump administration and Minister Flanagan must do all that he can to engage him.”

Lecturer in Migration Studies at University College Cork, Dr Piaras Mac Éinrí, told TheJournal.ie:

“There was a time when the undocumented Irish fighting for recognition in the States had to decide whether to fight for recognition as a special case compared to other minority groups, or to fight alongside them for status.

The Irish had that extra bit of clout because of political and business leaders with Irish connections – such as McCain but those days are gone now.

If a cold wind starts blowing about undocumented migrants, then there’s no reason to believe that the Irish will get a special deal.

Caro Kinsella also added that it’s really important to try and stay calm.

Trump may not do anything. He may just have wanted the media attention. It’s a great way to get publicity  and he might have been saying it to fund his campaign.

However, she also urged people to make sure they are on the best visa for them and to get their documentation in order.

“My key advice is act now, don’t procrastinate, understand your visa. Make sure you’re on the strongest visa for your needs – don’t just go with one because your friend is on it.

“Also, don’t leave it to the last minute to extend your visa or change it – do it in advance as there may be delays in processing visas, a lot more people are anxious and are applying for visas.”

Additional reporting by Christina Finn. 

Read: Reports of Muslim students being targeted at colleges after Trump win>

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86 Comments
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    Mute Free comment ratings
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    Nov 13th 2016, 8:40 PM

    Their country their Rules.

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    Mute Billy Mooney
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    Nov 13th 2016, 8:47 PM

    So the native Americans should set the rules? And the newer Americans don’t seem to have any problem laying down the rules in other nations like say Iraq or Afghanistan and dozens of other countries.

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    Mute R H Beige Lark
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:51 PM

    I’m surprised not hearing more outrage at the prospect of tens of thousands of illegal irish immigrants possibly being sent to these shores against the Irish government’s will. I mean – where will they be housed? Who will pay for them to be deported – Trump will probably charge the Irish government…

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    Mute Warthog
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    Nov 13th 2016, 11:11 PM

    @Free comment ratings:
    Undocumented Mihole..illegal immigrants is more like it. Lawbreakers who jumped the queue!

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    Mute Val Martin
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    Nov 14th 2016, 12:32 AM

    @Billy Mooney: The best thing you should do is tell your commie greenie pals in Germany, Italy, Holland and Belgium to defend themselves. Why should America bother

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    Mute Dave cullen
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    Nov 14th 2016, 12:39 AM

    Commie! Jaysus

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    Mute James Mc Loughlin
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    Nov 14th 2016, 8:08 PM

    @Free comment ratings: What about the employers they knew they were breaking the law but still employed people and Iam sure these employees have done a great service working in America.Will there be people with experience available to carry on in these jobs that these people haveAre they now to be turfed out

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    Mute Shane Ward
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    Nov 14th 2016, 11:06 PM

    @Billy Mooney: You know ‘natives’ came here too right? The Europeans created the United States of America.

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    Mute Graham O Fiach
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    Nov 13th 2016, 8:48 PM

    There’s a mistake in the headline should read “Irish Illegal Immigrants”

    314
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    Mute Tariq ibn Ziyad
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:45 PM

    @Graham O Fiach: Funny, it’s always the well to do privileged ones who have their travels bankrolled by Mommy and Daddy who sneer at others.

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    Mute Gary Molloy
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:51 PM

    Why are we all so concerned about these illegals? Imagine how much 50,000 tax payers would have helped our economy recover over the last fee years.

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    Mute Andrew Corcoran
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:13 PM

    Where would the 50,000 jobs be Gary Molloy? There would be 50,000 more on the dole.

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    Mute Gary Molloy
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:16 PM

    If they are willing to work in a foreign country illegally my suspicion is that they would be motivated to get some sort of work here Andrew Corcoran.

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    Mute Andrew Corcoran
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:52 PM

    You mean stay as an overskilled worker earning minimum wage on zero hours contracts and try paying rent, bills, feeding your kids etc? Way to stay motivated.

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    Mute Andrew Corcoran
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:54 PM

    Ps where would this work be Gary? Would there be 50,000 more jobs available tomorrow if they all came home?

    34
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    Mute slimboyfatty
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    Nov 13th 2016, 8:36 PM

    If your in the country illegally you should be deported. Simple as that

    308
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    Mute slimboyfatty
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:07 PM

    Thanks a million for the help with the old spelling they’re Tarim. I’d also like to sincerely apologise if my sense of humour offends thy.

    48
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    Mute Sinead Hanley
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:56 PM

    Dont mean to be stupid. But if you are an illegal Irish immigrant, is there a way to become “legal”

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    Mute Jason Culligan
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    Nov 14th 2016, 6:42 AM

    Short answer, no. If you’re living in the US illegally, generally the only thing coming eventually is a stint in prison and deportation with a permanent ban from the US.

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    Mute Shawn O'Ceallaghan
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    Nov 14th 2016, 8:03 AM

    Have a kid, wait 18 years and they can sponsor you.

    5
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    Mute Anna Bee
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    Nov 13th 2016, 8:47 PM

    Australia has fairly tight immigration controls, if you’re there illegally you get turfed out what’s the difference between that and any other country? Pity more countries don’t operate the same way.

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    Mute Warthog
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    Nov 13th 2016, 11:13 PM

    @Anna Bee:
    Yep Anna particularly Ireland!

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    Mute Val Martin
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    Nov 14th 2016, 12:37 AM

    @Anna Bee: 1st, I don’t think Trump will deport law abiding Irish illegals.
    2nd DeValera asked President Kennedy in 1962 to prevent the Irish getting in to the USA.
    3rd Right now non-EU citizens are being deported every day from Ireland when their work permits
    expire. Really tough, yet not a squeak from the Green Commie Left.
    4th large numbers of US citizens (mostly young) have been killed by illegal criminals released several
    times.

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    Mute Sean Pyke
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    Nov 13th 2016, 8:57 PM

    Undocumented = Illegal Immigrant

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    Mute The Guru
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    Nov 14th 2016, 6:27 AM

    White illegal immigrant

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    Mute Shane Ward
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    Nov 14th 2016, 11:07 PM

    @The Guru: racist!

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    Mute Alan Scott
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    Nov 13th 2016, 8:40 PM

    50.000 that could be subscribing to the everyday living costs to that Country instead they are working probably living a good life without paying anything . Would our Government let that happen here I doubt it . Let everyone of these declare themselves to revenue or get out.

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    Mute Brinster
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:18 PM

    @Alan Scott:

    What makes you think they are not?

    Payroll taxes are deducted at source. Anyone on a payroll doesn’t have the option of not paying tax – it is taken from their paycheck and paid over to the IRS directly.

    All undocumented Irish working on sites, in bars, restaurants etc will all be paying tax.

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    Mute Brendan Hill
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:29 PM

    Not to mention spending their money there.

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    Mute Alan Scott
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:45 PM

    @Brinster You believe the sh_te if it makes you happy .

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    Mute Andrew Corcoran
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:15 PM

    Alan you’re talking sh!te. Brinster, spot on.

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    Mute Brinster
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    Nov 13th 2016, 11:00 PM

    @Alan Scott:

    Believe the fact that payroll taxes are deducted at source?

    Given it is 100% verifiably true, I will continue to believe it.

    “26 U.S. Code Section 3402 – Income tax collected at source.

    Requirement of withholding
    (1) In general, Except as otherwise provided in this section, every employer making payment of wages shall deduct and withhold upon such wages a tax”

    https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/3402

    15
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    Mute Brian Keane
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:28 PM

    Why is this a story? I’m no fan of Trump but surely if you are an illegal immigrant anywhere, you’re aware the game will be up someday?

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    Mute Reagan Smash
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    Nov 13th 2016, 8:33 PM

    50,000 ILLEGAL Irish. Propaganda. Next.

    115
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    Mute Ben Smith
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    Nov 13th 2016, 8:54 PM

    “same difference” is an oxymoron. You, on the other hand, are just a regular moron.

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    Mute L-Plate
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:03 PM

    Doesn’t mean an oxymoron can get a point across, unlike you

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    Mute L-Plate
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:04 PM

    *can’t, shot myself in the foot there

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    Mute Reagan Smash
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:41 PM

    Ben – Haha, obviously. It’s a turn of phrase. Haven’t you seen that American Dad episode?

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    Mute Jason Culligan
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    Nov 14th 2016, 6:45 AM

    The Irish fella from Waterford pretending to be a Muslim from Bradford is judging others. That’s a bit rich.

    13
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    Mute John Reese
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:27 PM

    I know plenty in Ireland who would love to work in America legally. It’s very hard get a visa these days unless you work fir a US company or find one willing to pay up and sponsor you through the h1b visa. Those who moved there illegally have made it hard for those who wish to play by the rules

    70
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    Mute Fergus Fring
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    Nov 13th 2016, 11:04 PM

    You don’t call residents of the Jungle in Calais ‘Undocumented Eritreans’.
    Stop with the double standards and call these particular group of Irish in the US what they are; illegal immigrants.

    63
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    Mute John smith
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:12 PM

    If there going to rely on the irish government there what ya call definitely fuked

    56
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    Mute JFN
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    Nov 13th 2016, 8:47 PM

    It means nothing. Nothing will happen because Trump is a bottler. Just look at how he thanked crooked Hillary for her service. He said he would lock her up, liar.

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    Mute Poole Hyde
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:33 PM

    He’ll be brought into line quick enough. To paraphrase Bill Hicks, he’ll be taken into a darkened room and shown the Kennedy assassination from a different angle….

    31
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    Mute alphanautica
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    Nov 14th 2016, 5:04 AM

    @Poole Hyde: Kennedy was in the costume in the Zapruder tape.

    3
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    Mute Mrs M
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:33 PM

    50,000 Irish illegal immigrants not undocumented BS I hope he deports every one of them !

    39
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    Mute Kieran OKeeffe
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:14 PM

    Open minded on him ,could be the best president ever..like the way he’s stated he won’t take one dollar of his presidential salary…like to see a few politicians over here follow suit..

    39
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    Mute Brendan Hill
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:30 PM

    Do we have a billionaire politician with a gold plated elevator?

    40
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    Mute Dave Ringer
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:56 PM

    Not taking a salary is nonsense; a very bad precedent

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    Mute Debbie Fahey
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:01 PM

    @Brendan Hill: We do. Denis O’Brien

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    Mute Tariq ibn Ziyad
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    Nov 13th 2016, 8:36 PM

    Very worrying times for Irish people in the US now that Wall Street’s lackey Donald Trump has been elected, the word coming out of America is that first and second generation Irish people who are legal are now fearful also and looking to leave the country because of Trump’s election. Horrendous that some Irish people at home were cheer-leading this failed businessman, sticking the knife in the back of their fellow countrymen. Traitors.

    36
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    Mute Mumpsimus
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:01 PM

    Wall Street lackey? I think you will find that was Hillary.

    79
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    Mute Tariq ibn Ziyad
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:08 PM

    @Mumpsimus: Nope.

    https://www.greatagain.gov/policy/financial-services.html

    ‘Traders and bankers are taking to heart Trump’s campaign promise to cut bank regulation. His new website as president-elect specifically targets the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act and says it will be dismantled when he’s in office. The Dodd-Frank act includes hundreds of rules passed after the financial crash to make banks stronger and safer. Banks had to spend a lot of money adapting to the new regulation and have had to set aside more and safer assets for their balance sheets. If this law is scrapped, it’ll be easier for them to go back to making the risky trades that make the most money.

    Another boost to banks’ bottom lines is the expectation that Trump’s fiscal stimulus will increase inflation, while the Federal Reserve will stick to its plans to raise interest rates. This has pushed up the yields on bonds and other interest rates. As banks make money on the margin between the assets they borrow and lend, higher rates are great for their profits. Morgan Stanley analysts said a 1% rise in rates would increase big banks’ per-share earnings by 5.5%.

    There’s also speculation Trump will bring Wall Street into the heart of his cabinet. His likely pick for Treasury Secretary is Steven Mnuchin, the campaign’s chief fundraiser and a 17-year Goldman Sachs veteran. He had key roles in investment bank’s mortgage operations before starting a hedge fund with backing from George Soros.’

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    Mute David O'Connell
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    Nov 13th 2016, 11:00 PM

    @Tariq ibn Ziyad:”the word coming out of America is that first and second generation Irish people who are legal are now fearful also and looking to leave the country”

    Absolute nonsense.

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    Mute Shane Ward
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    Nov 14th 2016, 10:56 PM

    @Tariq ibn Ziyad: Failed business man lol

    1
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    Mute Shane Ward
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    Nov 14th 2016, 10:57 PM

    @Tariq ibn Ziyad: Speculation. Trump for the last year has railed against Wall Street and the special interests. Do you ever watch him speak?

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    Mute David O'Connell
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:49 PM

    No mention of the people who applied for visas every year and are still waiting legally.

    33
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    Mute john culhane
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:13 PM

    They should marry a US citizen and get their papers that route

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    Mute June Kennedy
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    Nov 14th 2016, 5:27 AM

    If you are in any çountry illegally you know you are taking your chances. If you set down roots, family etc without rectifying the situation then thats stupid. Either apply to be legal, and accept host countrys rules, or stay away. Every country should be allowed to vet those entering. If you hàve somethIng to give then state your case. Do not impose yourself on a host country and demand acceptance.

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    Mute wiggy
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:04 PM

    And whats the problem?????

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    Mute Upowthat Burke
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:18 PM

    Better get ready to accept a few ship loads of irish criminals from US cities there’s no shortage

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    Mute @mdmak33
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:08 PM

    Criminal immigrants,so,if you are not a criminal,no need to worry.

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    Mute Kevin
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:38 PM

    Mr triumph is not in office yet a lot will happen between now and January 2017 .

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    Mute bopter
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    Nov 13th 2016, 10:14 PM

    @Gary Molloy: Many went to the US for adventure, others because of no job in Ireland. We can’t assume that this 50,000 would have been net-positive for the economy over the past few years as the unemployment levels peaked, but getting them back now at a time of growth and bringing their experience and ideas home might be great for us and for them, so maybe Trump is a great excuse to get outta the US and come home.

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    Mute Dave Hammond
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    Nov 14th 2016, 2:44 AM

    @bopter: true – its also interesting to read how many posters here assume that people who made it to American and hustle to make a living would be arsed to bring the ideas and experience back – the hold Eu passports and are free to travel and work in any other eu country , plus theres Canada and New Zealand and plenty of places other than the US where they are likely to use their skills – many here making the major assumption that Ireland is such a fantastic place to move back to seem to have very little understanding about the true nature of what it is like to be making a living in other countries

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    Mute bopter
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    Nov 14th 2016, 10:28 AM

    @Dave Hammond: I went to California for a few years, had a whale of a time, made really good money, and still came home. I met 3 other Irish friends out there who were all in a similar situation, and all 4 of us are back home in Ireland now, and not missing California at all. It’s about the people. The mentality of people at home more than makes up for the downsides of things like warmer weather or lower taxes in the US.

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    Mute June Kennedy
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    Nov 14th 2016, 5:39 AM

    If you want to emigrate do it legally. Why do peoply think they can just impose themselves on others and think it is their ŕight to do so, whether its the irish in America or the Syrians in Europè.

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    Mute James Onedin
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    Nov 13th 2016, 11:18 PM

    Loadashite, how in God’s name would it be possible to physically deport 3 million people? DT is just venting and not to be taken seriously.

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    Mute Daniel Dunne
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    Nov 14th 2016, 12:59 AM

    @James Onedin: Obama deports ~400,000 a year – so it’s possible for Trump to get 3m out of there before 2020.

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    Mute Colin O'Connor
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    Nov 14th 2016, 3:08 AM

    Hitler did it easily.:.

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    Mute Shane Ward
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    Nov 14th 2016, 11:00 PM

    @Colin O’Connor: Let’s hope Trump is half as successful

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    Mute winston smith
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    Nov 13th 2016, 9:32 PM

    If you replace Mexican with Jew we have groundhog day.

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    Mute Shane Ward
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    Nov 14th 2016, 10:58 PM

    @winston smith: Trump got 29% of the Hispanic vote…try again.

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    Mute Colin O'Connor
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    Nov 14th 2016, 3:06 AM

    Sure he can deport all 50,000 and the maggots ok here can fork out the 10,000,000 a week to cover their dole….. They left to find work, they chose to leave and work rather than take a hand out, show some respect! Calling them criminals while they pay taxes and social security is a joke while they have no access to any benefits….

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    Mute Shane Ward
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    Nov 14th 2016, 10:59 PM

    @Colin O’Connor: They are criminals under law.

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    Mute fergaltully
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    Nov 14th 2016, 12:36 AM

    Yawn yawn yawn I’m feckin bored go to sleep he’s president an he’ll do sfa apart from fill his boots

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    Mute Alois Irlmaier
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    Nov 14th 2016, 4:09 AM

    He needs workers to build that wall ;)

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    Mute Shane Ward
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    Nov 14th 2016, 11:02 PM

    @Alois Irlmaier: Like O’Reilly The Builder

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    Mute Donal Carey
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    Nov 14th 2016, 9:21 AM

    Enda Kenny you are getting what you asked for if I remember correctly your comment was that we should entice all these people back to Ireland to take up the jobs that are so readily available . Then just in case these people need any help to stay in the US you and your cronies FF decide to insult the future President of the US . Their is a lot to be said for a Businessman running a Country instead of over paid clowns.

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    Mute Jackson Bollovks
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    Nov 14th 2016, 1:53 AM

    Illegal immigrants except those that look Aryan..sorry American

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    Mute Tom_Dot
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    Nov 14th 2016, 2:58 PM

    Pence is from Sligo, a lot of others on his team are Irish, like Mike Flynn, Steve Bannon, Kelly Conway and Mitch McConnell. So if our leaders werent lazy and bone idle there might not be a problem.

    In any event, you have no right to be in a country illegally.

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    Mute John Flood
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    Nov 14th 2016, 1:59 PM

    I saw only one of 21 possible presidential candidates cozy up to the “Irish” vote, and she lost. We’ve got no juice as before in American politics.

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    Mute Shane Ward
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    Nov 14th 2016, 10:55 PM

    RTE calls them undocumented. They are illegal. They knew what they were doing. No mercy for criminals – deport them all.

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    Mute Gerard Henry
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    Nov 14th 2016, 8:42 PM

    They are illegal send them home until they get their green card we don’t like illegals here we want to send them home

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