Undocumented Irish Lose Champion With Kennedy Death

Aug. 26, 2009— -- The undocumented Irish immigrants in the U.S. have lost their champion with the death of Senator Edward Kennedy.

Ted Kennedy - who freely acknowledged that his own family would not be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. now - was a real champion for the undocumented Irish.

And they were mourning the most famous great-great-grandson of Irish immigrants in Irish cities across the U.S.; from Philadelphia to New York to Chicago to San Francisco and his home berth in Boston.

Kennedy attended every Washington rally sponsored by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and won the hearts of thousands of Irish people who knew the Kennedy name from back home.

In Boston, Brian, 42, an undocumented immigrant from Co Tyrone, paid tribute to the Kennedy legacy.

"My grandmother had three photographs in her kitchen; Michael Collins, John F. Kennedy and the Pope. They were the Holy Trinity for our family."

Kennedy made immigration reform one of his priorities in the Senate and joined forces with Senator John McCain (R-AZ) who also appeared at ILIR rallies in Washington and the Bronx.

And even though he fought for comprehensive reform he kept the Irish cause very close to his heart.

Speaking at the first rally in Washington in March 2006, Kennedy said he wanted to right the historical wrongs.

"Some in Congress want to build walls and dig trenches to keep America secure. But keeping America safe does not mean turning our backs on America's heritage and history.

"Millions and millions of immigrants have made it to our shores. All eight of my great-grandparents came here to escape poverty and famine in Ireland, and seek a new life for themselves and their children.

I'm proud to see so many of you here representing Ireland. It's time, long past time, that our laws reflected and honored these contributions and fairly rewarded the hard work you do for your families, your employers, and our country."

Bridget, 37, from Co Kerry, now living in San Francisco said she cried when she heard the news about his death late last night.