America's new Irish immigrants

by Irn Bru Wed Dec 18, 2013 8:51 am

Ireland may no longer need bailout money as its economy emerges from recession, but a wave of emigration that began in 2008 is continuing. And echoing the last Irish slump in the 1980s, many thousands of those moving to the US may be becoming illegal immigrants.

Of America's Irish neighbourhoods the one that spans the border between the Bronx and Yonkers in New York may be the most colourful.

Old-fashioned Irish bars line the road. Grocery stores offer boiled bacon, oatmeal and tea. The Shamrock Gift Shop sells woollen sweaters, Waterford crystal, and statuettes of angels holding Celtic crosses.

Irish immigrants have been settling in the area for decades, driven by recurring economic crises back home. On the main streets, Irish accents predominate.

As immigration controls have gradually tightened it has become harder to make the journey. But unemployment, falling salaries, and poor career prospects have been prompting more Irish people to cross the Atlantic, some of them drawn to this Irish community.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25360424

An interesting article about a new 'Green Wave'. I was there in New York in the district many years ago and I had the time of my life. Certainly felt more like being in Ireland than in the USA.

by Guest Wed Dec 18, 2013 9:26 am

This is very true. There's a shockingly high number of young people leaving Ireland in droves. But doubtless if the economy picks up they'll return - some of them anyway; most will find life more attractive in the US - or maybe not, given that the US is in deep doo-doo themselves.

by Original Quill Thu Dec 19, 2013 4:54 am

The US is nowhere near in as bad shape as Ireland. Actually Irn, Irish are small pickin's for NYC today. The place is currently overtaken by Puerto Ricans.

Check on South Boston and Chicago.

by Irn Bru Thu Dec 19, 2013 9:35 am

Cambridge wrote:The US is nowhere near in as bad shape as Ireland. Actually Irn, Irish are small pickin's for NYC today. The place is currently overtaken by Puerto Ricans.

Check on South Boston and Chicago.

I can imagine right enough. I was in NYC a couple of years ago but didn't go back there. Memories of the hangover still lingers. Great city though.

And welcome to the forum. cheers

by Original Quill Thu Dec 19, 2013 4:54 pm

Thank you.

Yep, NY is a great city. Mostly because it was the primary port of disembarkation for most waves/nationalities of immigrants.

And to think that whole process is opposed by Republicans and Conservatives today. It's like being opposed to fresh flowers.

by Sponsored content

America's new Irish immigrants

America's new Irish immigrants

Re: America's new Irish immigrants

Re: America's new Irish immigrants

Re: America's new Irish immigrants

Re: America's new Irish immigrants

Re: America's new Irish immigrants