Gort’s Brazilian community can live out of the shadows
The Brazilian community living in Gort is celebrating this week after the Irish Government confirmed new legislation that will regularise the legal status of undocumented migrants in this country.
Gort Resource Centre has described the introduction of a Regularisation Scheme as ‘landmark’ legislation that will allow Brazilians and other undocumented to 'emerge from the shadows'.
Around 400 people of Brazilian origin make up the 2,200 population of Gort, according to the most recent Census figures.
And while many of them are married to Irish citizens, or have a work and study visa, some are undocumented and ‘living in the shadows’.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee’s scheme will remove the ‘irregular’ immigration status from these Brazilian families and others.
Gort Resource Centre said it would work with Brazilians and people of other nationalities to apply for the scheme in 2022.
Amy Bradley, Chairperson of Gort Resource Centre, said the change in legislation would not have been possible without lobbying of project co-ordinator at Gort Resource Centre Annie Rozario and others.
“This news will certainly provide hope and peace for many families around the country this holiday season,” said Ms Bradley.
Parallels have been drawn between the Brazilian community in Gort and the undocumented Irish in America. This new legislation will allow migrants – many of who have PPS numbers, full-time jobs etcetera – to travel home without fear of not being able to get back in.
Joyce Correa Da Silva, a former voluntary director of Gort Resource Centre, and migrant activist, said: “It’s amazing. I’m so happy! How their lives are going to change, and it’s all communities not just the Brazilian community. I remember how it was to be undocumented. It is just the worst feeling as you just don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” she said.
Chinese and Filipino migrants will also be among those availing of the scheme.
Minister McEntee said: “We know that regularisation programmes can yield import social benefits and improvements in economic living conditions and a reduction in the potential for exploitation in employment.
“There are also economic benefits, both for the beneficiaries who are granted access to the labour market and who can benefit from a wider range of job opportunities, and for the State in terms of increased tax yields and social security contributions.”