In a visit to Woodlawn Wednesday, the president of Ireland urged the U.S. government to quickly adopt new laws that would ease the path to American citizenship for millions of undocumented immigrants across the country.

Mary McAleese, whose visit comes on the heels of immigration rallies across the country, highlighted the importance of a strong relationship between Ireland and those of Irish decent in the United States. She said she feels that those who have moved to America provide a positive path for further Irish emigration.

"No matter how much time has passed or how much geography separates us, we can say we?re kin ... we?re family," McAleese said.

McAleese also attended the ribbon cutting at the new Emerald Isle Immigration Center on Katonah Avenue.

For footage of the president of Ireland at the ribbon cutting of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, go to channel 612 on your digital iO Extra box and select iO Extra.