"At this stage, we're just doing everything we can to get the message across that we're not going away, " said Frank Carroll, whose song, 'Legalise Them All . . . No Paddy Left Behind' was launched on Thursday night in Queens. "We are very close at the moment to losing the Irish community in New York and we really need the Irish back home to take notice of the situation, because it's just getting worse and worse here."

Carroll, originally from Cork, got involved in the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) when it was launched last December to fight the introduction of new legislation that would prevent illegal immigrants from gaining citizenship. 'Legalize Them All. . .' is a traditional Irish ballad that "tells how the Irish came and built this city and how now we're being forced out of the country we gave so much to", he said.

Part of the song goes: "We have lots for to offer/ We have talents fine and true/ We don't ask for much at all/ Just any job will do". According to Carroll, the song has been played on some local radio stations in New York as well as in Cork and Kerry. The song is available on iTunes and all proceeds from it go towards the ILIR.

New York band Cray and Dempsey have also launched a song detailing the plight of the undocumented Irish.

'We're Irish and We're Rockin' calls for green cards for everyone who has worked hard for their money in the US.

"Open up your arms/ There's nothing we can't do/ Cead Mile Failte/ Is there a welcome for us too?" the ditty asks. Cray and Dempsey, both from Dublin, launched their rock song to the 1,000-strong crowd lobbying in Washington last month and have since been playing it at all their concerts.

Meanwhile, Some Nerve, a New Yorkbased U2 tribute band, have announced they will be launching their own anthem to the Irish in the coming weeks.

"The more the lyrics are played, the more exposure our cause will get, " said Carroll, who, with his wife and daughter, has been living in the US for seven years. "It's hard on everyone here. I haven't seen my mother in years and there have been so many funerals I haven't been able to travel back for. It's heartbreaking, but it's not unique. You'll hear the same story from everyone. We're just fighting to save what we've got here."

LEGALIZE THEM ALL - NO PADDY LEFT BEHIND by Frank Carroll Setting out on the plane many years ago.

Never did we ever think where it all would go.

With not a shilling in our pocket, not a penny to our name.

All we asked for is one wish, and 15 minutes of fame.

We have lots for to offer, we have talents "ne and true.

We don't ask for much at all, just any job will do.

They came with picks and shovels, and degrees by the score.

They came with a dream in hand, as their people did before.

Chorus. . .

Imagine all these cities without the Irish drinking stout.

Imagine St Paddie's Day with no Irish man about.

For fear of loosing focus, and watching them all fall For the fear of losing the Irish, Legalize them all.

They built the walls and buildings, built them high and square.

These Irish Micks, they know the tricks to build and repair.

If it a mansion of great grandeur, your looking for to live.

Give Paddy a call, the price is right, hell build it brick by brick.

Now theres one small wee problem that needs to be addressed.

These Irish Micks that know the tricks are living in distress.

They want them out of America, they want them to be gone.

The Bronx and Queens, and all the dreams, will be a ghost town before long.

WE'RE IRISH AND WE'RE ROCKIN' by Cray and Dempsey 'We've been here from the beginning when this city was built In the soil our ancestors' blood has been spilt You'll see us on the building sites, the diners and cafes You celebrate our heritage on St Patrick's Day.'