As we prepare for another New Year, we do so with a new hope that 2014 will be the year that ushers in the final piece(s) of legislation for immigration reform. For myself, this month marks the beginning of nine years travelling to DC as an immigration reform advocate. A friend asked me the other day, "Don't you get tired and frustrated, going to Washington time and again and still no change in the law?"

I answered by telling of a recent meeting with someone named John (not his real name) from Ireland who has been living in the Chicago area since 1995. He came here to find work and a better life; he arrived on the visa waver program and has not been back to Ireland since 2001. In the meantime, John has never been out of work. He has been paying taxes, has gotten married and has two U.S. born children. He is an active member of the community, helps out at his kids sports leagues. He is also a regular church attender and a responsible member of the local community in every way. In the past six years alone, John has missed a number of significant family events in Ireland. He has missed his sister's wedding as well as nieces' and nephews' communions and confirmations. The hardest decisions, however, have been not attending the funerals of two grandparents and his dad's burial.

John is not unique. In the past ten years, I have tried to comfort and console many men and women in a similar predicament. The long wait for a chance to regularize their situation is taking a toll on many individuals like John. John is hoping that 2014 is finally going to be the year when he gets paperwork to allow him to visit his mom who is now in ill health. Let us pray, gentle reader, that the hopes of millions will finally be realized in the New Year.

A New Year Wish

D. Simone

Should you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please feel free to contact me at: sliabhanoir@yahoo.com or 773-282-8445.