Vol. 459 No. 5
5 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the increasing anxiety of the Irish community in the United States with regard to the growing anti-immigrant feeling in some quarters and in particular the proposals in the Smith Bill which, if passed, would adversely affect the quality of life in the United States of America for legal immigrants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17660/95]
I am aware of the concerns to which the Deputy refers.
Congressman Lamar Smith's Immigration In the National Interest Bill proposes a number of changes to US immigration and welfare law which would adversely affect Irish immigrants or potential immigrants. The proposals include a reduction in total annual legal immigration from 830,000 to 535,000; elimination of the diversity immigrant visa programme, known as the "Schumer" or "lottery" programme; changes to the welfare system relating to both illegal and legal immigrants and restrictions on employment-based immigration.
Other legislative proposals to restrict entitlement by immigrants to benefits have been presented in both Houses of Congress in the context of reform of the welfare system. Through the Embassy in Washington I am carefully monitoring these developments. We have made known our concerns about the implications of any new legislation to Members of Congress.
An amendment sponsored by Congressmen Schumer of New York, Flanagan of Illinois and Hoke of Ohio to the Immigration in the National Interest Bill, retaining a diversity immigration programme for which Irish people would be eligible, was passed by the Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives on 24 October. I am hopeful that this amendment will be retained when the Bill is considered by the full House in the New Year and that the effects on Irish immigrants of restrictive legislative proposals will be minimised.
Is the Minister aware that the status of Irish immigrants in the US could change and that there is talk of a two tier citizenship? What further action does he propose to take to fight these proposals?
I am aware of the proposals and the Deputy will be aware from his contacts in Washington that we are doing everything we can. On my last visit to Washington I had a number of discussions with Senators and Congressmen on the adverse effect the Bill will have on Irish immigrants if it is passed in its present form. With the help of the ambassador and his staff in Washington who are active on this issue I am reasonably confident that the Schumer amendment will be maintained.
Was this matter raised with President Clinton? Is the Minister confident that the President can veto the legislation? I understand the matter is tied up with balancing the budget. Did the Minister meet any immigrant welfare groups? Has he any information on the efforts made by Senator Kennedy to put amendments forward?
It would be unusual to take a matter like this up directly with the President. The Deputy will be aware of Senator Kennedy's interest and assistance in such matters. When I was in New York last September I had discussions with Irish citizens' welfare groups. They play a big role in providing facilities and assistance to the Irish community. They voiced their interest in the matter and we will do everything possible to ensure Irish citizens are treated in the way they have been for many decades in the US.
