Immigration Reform

Friday, 03 September 2010

In September 2004, the ICI launched, "Voices of Immigrants - the Challenges of Inclusion", a study which gives voice to 22 migrants and their families who moved to Ireland and their views on what needs to change in Irish society if we are to recognise our new, more diverse reality.  The authors of this publication were Patricia and Carmel Kelleher.

Through our direct work with migrants, the Immigrant Council of Ireland gains a thorough understanding of the issues people can face when dealing with the immigration system and in the community generally.

All of the work we do – our legal services, our advocacy, our work on integration and, in particular, our policy development and the campaigns we undertake – is shaped by our experience working with clients who use our services.

Advocating for reform of Ireland’s immigration laws and policies is at the heart of the ICI’s work. Our contact with clients through the Information and Referral Service and the Legal Service, the strategic litigation we undertake and our work in the areas of communications, lobbying and campaigning, aim to achieve clear, fair and transparent immigration policies and processes.

The Immigrant Council of Ireland receives more than 10,000 inquiries a year from people navigating the Irish immigration system. This gives us a unique insight into their problems and the specific areas where legislation or policies are creating difficulties for migrants and their families.

The ICI has been campaigning for reform of our immigration legislation for more than five years (see our Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill campaign page). We believe fairness, transparency, efficiency and respect for human rights must underpin Ireland’s immigration system.  

The ICI would like to welcome the publication of a leaflet by the Gay and Lesbian Equality Network (GLEN) which provides valuable immigration information to same-sex couples.

 Same-sex couples and Immigration Provisions in Ireland