The number of calls for help to the Immigrant Council of Ireland has increased substantially since June.
Figures released yesterday by the council, which offers advice to immigrants, show that in its first eight months of operation it helped an average of 135 people per month. The council was founded in October last year.
It goes on, however: "In the last four months, June to October, this figure has shot up to 299 people on average per month," the statement says. "This is a monthly increase of 121.5 per cent, for a full year total of 2,283."
Chairperson of the Council, Sister Stanislaus Kennedy, said behind the statistics were "worried and vulnerable people" and said the high volume of calls reflected the fact there was "no strategic immigration policy".
The top three issues brought to the council's attention were family reunification which accounted for 21 per cent of calls, leave to remain 20 per cent and employment permits 15 per cent.
The recent decision by the Government to stop allowing non-EU parents of Irish children automatic right to remain in the State had had a "huge effect" on numbers seeking advice said Sister Stanislaus.
"Those families thought, had been led to believe, they were going to be living here and then they get these letters saying they are going to be deported. And they are confused and frightened and because they aren't provided with any legal advice, but have to provide reasons why they should be allowed remain - well they come to us because we give legal advice."
Family reunification continued to be the biggest issue. Sister Stan said it was extremely difficult for immigrants here on work permits to bring their spouses and children to join them, and extremely bureaucratic. The council is reiterating its call that permits be issued to the employee rather than the employer.
These issues will be discussed at a conference in Dublin on Thursday. Keynote speakers at the conference, former President Mary Robinson and US Senator Bruce Morrison will speak on the value of diversity and the American experience of immigration.
