Boston: Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, during a gathering at the Boston Harbor Hotel within the Irish-American community, invoked the life of St. Patrick to address the issue of immigration. Varadkar offered a novel interpretation, suggesting that St. Patrick himself could be viewed as an illegal immigrant, noting Patrick’s purported lack of documentation upon entering Ireland.
Highlighting the ongoing immigration challenges, Varadkar underscored the presence of tens of thousands of Irish immigrants living in the US without legal status, many of whom are hardworking individuals with families. He pledged to raise their concerns with US President Joe Biden during his visit.
Addressing concerns about individuals entering Ireland under false pretences, Minister Gorman clarified that the number was less than two hundred and emphasised that the government had made provisions to support them.
Varadkar, in the context of St. Patrick’s story, emphasised the historical significance of immigration, noting its enduring nature. He portrayed Boston and New England as havens for Irish immigrants seeking refuge from hardship and discrimination, referencing the tragic history of immigrants housed on Deer Island in the 1800s.
Varadkar recounted the tale of Patrick Collins, another Irish immigrant, who overcame adversity to become a prominent figure in Boston politics while maintaining a strong connection to his homeland.
Asserting the responsibilities that come with Irish identity, Varadkar advocated for compassion and justice, urging Ireland to champion the cause of freedom and speak out for the oppressed globally.
However, Varadkar’s stance on immigration has faced criticism, particularly on social media and within his own party, with some accusing him of inconsistency following his previous remarks on accepting refugees. There are even murmurs of discontent within his party, signalling potential unrest.
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