Reuters recently reported that thousands of Irish immigrants living undocumented in the U.S. may be legalized in exchange for more work permits for U.S. citizens lured to Ireland by its thriving economy.  

Irish Labour Minister Tony Killeen said "[t]here is clear evidence to support the establishment of some form of bilateral agreement between the U.S. and Irish governments."  Killeen added that, although there are an estimated 30,000 undocumented Irish immigrants currently in the U.S. , the two centuries of emigration from Ireland and the U.S. is currently at an end.  This statement is supported by Ireland ’s Trade & Employment Ministry, which estimated that over 4,300 Americans moved to Ireland in search of employment in 2005, compared with 1,700 Irish moving to the U.S. in the same year.  

Killeen told Reuters in New York last week that Ireland would also try to lure Irish and U.S. citizens back to Ireland where the population is now back above 4 million, having slumped to a 120-year low of 2.8 million in the 1960s.  ``In less than 15 years, Ireland has gone from being the sick man of Europe to one of the most dynamic economies in the developed world," said Killeen of his nation.  

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According to the Associated Press, city leaders in Escondido , California approved an ordinance prohibiting landlords from renting to undocumented immigrants with a 3-2 vote. This is the latest in one of many efforts by local governments across the country to crack down on undocumented workers. Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler and Councilman Ron Newman, the two no votes, said the ordinance would create new problems for Escondido , where Hispanics make up 42 percent of the 142,000 residents.  

The law requires landlords to submit documentation of their tenants’ immigration status to the city, which will then submit the information to the federal government for verification. If tenants are found to be illegal immigrants, landlords would be given 10 days to evict them or face suspension of their business license. Repeat offenders could face misdemeanor charges and fines. Pfeiler fears that the new ordinance "is going to have neighbor against neighbor."  

Recent national scrutiny of immigration policy has led to similar proposals around the nation, including Hazleton , Pennsylvania and the community of Riverhead on New York ’s Long Island .  

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The USCIS announced that beginning October 30, 2006, local USCIS offices will forward new filings for Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, for F-1 and M-1 student reinstatement, to the California Service Center or the Vermont Service Center , depending on where the student is engaged in study.  

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The Desert Sun of Palm Springs , California reports of a unique addition to the list of naturalized U.S. citizens.  Sona Babai, a native of Iran , had her application for citizenship approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services last week.  She’s 105 years, 4 months old.  

Sona first came to the U.S. on a permanent resident "green card" in April 2000, one month before her 99^th birthday.  She came to join her sons, who had become U.S. citizens decades prior, and have operated a restaurant in the Palm Springs area for 26 years.  

"It is an honor to be a part of your society," Babai said through aid of translation from her sons.  "This is a great country, with great people, and a good place to live, especially when you have your children around you," she said.