asked the Minister for External Affairs if he is aware of criticism in the USA over the emigration quota and restriction on emigrants from this country; and, if so, if he will make representations to the US Government to increase the emigration quota and relax the restrictions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - US Immigration Restrictions.
3.
I am aware that interested organisations in the USA are concerned at the restrictive effect which they consider recent immigration legislation there will have on the admission of Irish immigrants in the future. I do not however consider that it would be appropriate for me to make representations on the lines suggested.
Would the Minister not make representations as other countries have done for an increase in the quota of emigrants from this country? Would he, on one of his many visits to the States, approach the appropriate Department there and ensure that those who wish to join their brothers, their sisters, and cousins in the United States may do so and not be forced to take up employment in Britain or elsewhere?
The Deputy must be aware that this is not a simple administrative practice of the American Government: this is the law. It was passed by Congress, and the law would have to be repealed or amended before any action other than the one the American Government are now taking could be embarked upon. This is not just administration, and ordinary representations to the Government would be of no avail. Congress would have to change it. There is a very representative and very powerful committee of people who are interested in Ireland and who have this matter under consideration. I am sure they can be relied upon to do what they can do in this matter.
Possibly the Minister might make some representation to them.