I thank Deputy Lowry for raising this matter. Addressing the status of undocumented Irish citizens in the US remains a priority for the Government. Immigration matters are raised on an ongoing basis with the US Administration and US political leaders.
The recent visit of President Biden to Ireland reinforced the strong historic, economic, cultural and family links between our two countries. The visit included exchanges with the President on matters of shared importance to both countries, including peace and economic progress on this island.
Immigration matters featured prominently in high-level political engagements during the St. Patrick’s day period. The Taoiseach discussed immigration reform with President Biden at the White House and the need to increase opportunities for young people to move between Ireland and the US with greater ease. I discussed ongoing efforts to secure immigration pathways with Congressman Richie Neal and the Friends of Ireland, and I met with organisations providing vital services and support to our diaspora, including undocumented Irish, in New York and Boston. I also raised the issue on an earlier visit to Washington.
These political contacts build on the ongoing work of our embassy in Washington, in conjunction with bipartisan members of Congress, to find innovative solutions to challenges faced by the undocumented Irish and those seeking to live and work in the US. The most realistic long-term solution for our undocumented citizens remains comprehensive immigration reform, on which the Government actively supports the Biden Administration’s efforts. However, as almost every such legislative proposal in the past decade has stalled in Congress, the challenges should not be underestimated.
My Department supports organisations that provide valued assistance to our citizens in the United States, including the undocumented. More than €4.2 million in emigrant support programme funding was allocated to organisations in the US for 2022 to 2023. Our diplomatic network across the US also proactively seeks opportunities to improve the day-to-day lives of the undocumented Irish.
With respect to an Irish Government representative on immigration, the Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora, Deputy Fleming, and I have ministerial responsibility for our communities abroad. The Irish Embassy in Washington, together with the eight consulates general throughout the US, remains extremely active on emigration issues.