What is life like for an undocumented Irish person in the US? A new documentary explores the lives of five men and women, living and working illegally in the Bronx, New York.
One of the most talked about issues in the world at the minute and the subject of a recent executive order from US President, Barack Obama, illegal immigration to the US has always included thousands of young Irish, in search of the American dream.
As President Obama told supporters at a rally in Chicago, it the flow of undocumented workers in to the US isn’t an issue strictly involving latino immigrants, “we have some Irish folks too, who haven’t got their papers in order.”
An estimated 30,000 Irish people live in New York undocumented, ‘A Bronx Tale’ hears the stories of five of those people.
A new scheme from the Obama administration, will see those who arrived in the US before November 2009 given three year work permits.
Many of those you will hear from in this program won't qualify. What is the motivation behind emigrating to a country where you know you're not legally allowed to reside? Where do you start? Why do you stay? What is life like when you’re unable to travel? How do you plan for your future?
‘A Bronx Tale’ meets three men and two women, who work in the bars and construction sites of New York and hears about the reality of life in the big apple. Set in the neighborhood of Woodlawn in the Bronx, an Irish stalwart in a city where the green is fading fast. For many of the estimated 30,000 undocumented Irish in New York, Woodlawn is home. A safe haven for those who live in constant fear of deportation.
Affectionately known as ‘Spudlawn’ or ‘Little Ireland’ by New Yorkers, Woodlawn has a population of almost ten thousand people, primarily Irish. Every member of this community has a story to tell about their experience. Life without a drivers license, bank account or the ability to see your family. What is it like to live in a country illegally and why do they do it? We hear the sad and triumphant stories of a new generation of people who have left Ireland in search of the American dream.
‘A Bronx Tale’ will be broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm this weekend, Saturday 6th November at 7am, and repeated at 10am on Sunday 7th December.
BROADCAST DETAILS: ‘A Bronx Tale’ is part of the Winter season of Documentary on Newstalk
‘A Bronx Tale’ can also be listened to online at www.newstalk.com A podcast will be available at www.newstalk.com/documentaryonnewstalk after the broadcast.
CREDITS: ‘A Bronx Tale’ was produced and introduced by Orlaith Farrell and edited by Paul Duffy. The project was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
