Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2012
120. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made to date on the introduction of an E-3 visa for Irish citizens wishing to work in the United States of America; the discussions, if any, that have taken place with representatives on Capitol Hill on the implementation of comprehensive immigration reform in the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55423/12]
View answerThe outcome of the recent US Presidential election would appear to have advanced the prospects for the necessary reform of US immigration systems and procedures that would help improve the situation of undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States. Much further debate and discussion is likely to be required within the US political system as to what such reform might comprise. Through our Embassy in Washington and in close liaison with Irish-American community representatives, our contacts with the US Administration and Congress will intensify even further over the coming weeks and months with a view to ensuring that the interests and concerns of undocumented Irish immigrants are fully reflected in any future legislative deal that emerges in this area. A resolution of the situation for undocumented Irish migrants in the US will also continue to be pursued by myself and the Taoiseach at every suitable opportunity. Most recently, I discussed the issue of E-3 visas and comprehensive immigration reform with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton during her visit to Dublin.
