Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2014
386. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an up to date figure on the number of undocumented Irish in the USA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44809/14]
View answerWhile it is difficult to estimate the exact number of undocumented Irish citizens in the US, Irish immigration centres, community groups and the relevant US authorities, estimate the number at around 50,000. They are individuals who are in breach of US immigration law but have no means of regularising their status. Most have deep ties in the US, where they have been otherwise compliant with the law, including paying their taxes. They wish the US government to develop a mechanism which would allow them to acquire a documented right to continue their lives in the US, to participate fully in the life of their adopted communities and to travel in and out of the country.
