asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the present position regarding the increase in the number of visas for Irish people wishing to work in the United States of America.
Written Answers. - US Visas.
37.
I am arranging for the circulation of a table showing the number of visas issued by the US Embassy for the first five months of this year compared with those relating to the corresponding period last year.
|
Calendar 1986 |
Jan/May 1986 |
Jan/May 1987 |
|
|
Total temporary stay visas |
58,000 |
27,300 |
27,300 |
|
(including temporary work visas for trainees) |
(1,400) |
(400) |
(400) |
|
JIs (students) |
4,400 |
3,788 |
3,762 |
|
Immigrant Visas |
1,082 |
325 |
400 |
|
NP.5 (“Lottery” Visas) |
— |
— |
300 |
The only significant change in the position are the so-called new non-preference or lottery visas which clearly make a significant addition to the total of those who wish to emigrate to the US.
The House will know of the concern of this Government at the situation facing those of our citizens in the US whose status is uncertain or illegal. As I have already told the Dáil, the Taoiseach and myself discussed this question with members of Congress and the Administration on our visit to Washington in March during which we made our concerns very clear. One important outcome of our political and diplomatic initiative is the draft Bill published by Congressman Donnelly of Massachusetts recently which, if enacted, would increase the number of immigrant visas available to Irish citizens. We have welcomed Congressman Donnelly's proposal and hope that the ideas it contains will be taken up by the US Congress in a manner which will provide permanent benefit to those of our citizens who wish to live and work legally in the US.