asked the Minister for External Affairs if the Government will enter into immediate talks with the US Government in regard to the restriction on Irish people entering the United States following the enactment of legislation in 1965, which has radically altered the pattern of immigration into the US; and if a special case can be made for this country having regard to Ireland's long and close association with the US so that any Irish citizen who so desires may go to the US.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Immigration to US.
3.
As I indicated in reply to a Parliamentary Question by Deputy O'Donnell on 28th February last it is not considered appropriate that the Government should make representations on the lines suggested.
Surely the Minister is aware that there are no two countries in the world today with closer ties of friendship than Ireland and the United States? Would it not be reasonable to request that some special provision be made for Irish people who desire to go abroad, to emigrate and settle there with their own friends and relations, rather than that they should be prevented by the terms of the US regulations? Does the Minister not consider that a very special case could be made for special provision for Irish emigrants?
Emigration is practically finished.
There are other nations which would equally have a claim. There are special arrangements for those with immediate relatives who are United States citizens, and people could gain some advantage from them. Really it is for the Irish-American community in America to make such representations as they can. It would be impolitic for us as a foreign country to try to get an advantage over other people.
Does the Minister consider that our quota under the American regulations of 1965 is sufficient?
The quota is very complicated now. It would take too long to read it to the Deputy. There are a number of different percentages of various people related to their skills or their relationship to American citizens. There are eight separate categories. It cannot really be called a quota at all. It is most complicated.
I am informed by certain US sources that if the Irish Government made representations with a view to having special provision made for Irish people who desire to settle in the United States, such a request would be granted.
It is not regarded as desirable to make representations or considered that the representations would have any effect.