Irish Undocumented, Should Uncle Sam Let them Stay? Episode 657

Today on the podcast, Niall is joined by John McGuirk, editor of Gript Media, and social commentator Karl Deeter to discuss the controversial case of Irish citizen Seamus Culleton, who has been held by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since last September after allegedly overstaying a visitor visa for many years.

Originally from Co Kilkenny, Culleton had been living in the United States since 2009 and was arrested near his Massachusetts home before being transferred to a detention facility in Texas. His deportation has recently been temporarily postponed by a US court while legal efforts continue. Supporters say he has built a life in America and is married to a US citizen, while critics argue immigration laws must be enforced consistently.

The case has sparked wider debate about undocumented Irish people in the United States. Estimates vary widely — from roughly 10,000 to as many as 50,000 undocumented Irish residents — many of whom have lived there for decades, often working, paying taxes, and raising families with American-born children.

Karl and John bring differing perspectives on how cases like Culleton’s should be handled: whether compassion, practicality, and long-standing ties should carry weight, or whether immigration law must apply equally regardless of nationality or length of stay.

We’re asking listeners: should undocumented Irish in the US be offered an amnesty, allowing them to remain legally, or should enforcement take its course even when families and livelihoods are at stake?

Join the conversation and share your views.