In the last issue of Metro Eireann, you reported about the publication of the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill by the Tanaiste and Minister for Justice, Michael McDowell – just hours before the announcement of the general election.
As pro-immigrant and human rights groups have criticised it, immigrants themselves are also extremely concerned about the proposed Bill. The way it is currently planned makes a sad reading and also paints a sorry picture of how life could be for immigrants especially, members of the Black community in Ireland.
No one would disagree with the Minister for Justice that Ireland’s immigration system needs a total overhaul. However, almost everyone would disagree with him that immigrants need to carry a biometric identity cards at all times. I am concerned that this is going to cause divisions within society. It will also cause difficulties for Black people, including the Black Irish.
Some years ago, when it was common practice for a garda to stop and demand identity cards from immigrants, a number of Black people who were stopped said the gardai were using the practice to harass them. How are we to believe that this will not be the case when the identity card regime becomes fully operational?
Another issue which you mentioned in your publication – and which is also of great concern to immigrants – is the proposal for them to seek the permission of the Minister for Justice before they get married. This is ridiculous, and it must be challenged. If not, I see a situation where another politician would come and, in order to make a point, make it mandatory that immigrant women get permission from the minister before they become pregnant!
I sincerely hope that the next Dail will seek the significant amendment to the just published Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill.
