Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2015
213. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he has been able to verify the claim that undocumented Irish in the United States of America can obtain a visa from that country's embassy in Dublin, to facilitate their unrestricted return to the United States of America, after a visit here for family reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12588/15]
View answerAchieving relief for undocumented Irish migrants in the US is a priority for the Government in our contacts with the United States.
Throughout his recent visit to the US and in a series of high level contacts with the US Administration, with Congress and at State level, the Taoiseach raised the issue of immigration reform and the plight of the undocumented Irish, stressing that almost every family in Ireland is related to or knows somebody who is caught up in this deeply distressing situation.
During his meeting with President Obama on 17 March the Taoiseach commended him on his executive action announced late last year. This action is currently the subject of legal proceedings in the US federal courts.
The Taoiseach emphasised the need to allow the undocumented to come out of the shadows and be free to travel home for family events. He also highlighted the issue of those amongst the Irish undocumented who might be eligible for visas, but who would be required to return to Ireland for their issuance and hence would require waivers for their prior period of undocumented residence. The Taoiseach also pointed to the need for a legal pathway to allow for future Irish immigration to the US for those who wish to make a contribution there, expressing the hope that a political way forward could be found on this issue which would encourage progress on a comprehensive legislative package by Congress.
The Government has had many contacts in recent years with the US to promote immigration reform and to press for any viable opportunities which would be of potential value to the Irish undocumented. As part of this ongoing process, and on my instructions, a letter was sent from my Department to the US Embassy in Dublin on 24 February in regard to immigration reform and particularly raising the issue of visa waivers. The US Embassy has indicated that it hopes to respond in due course.
My Department will continue to follow up on all of the issues raised in recent contacts with the US Administration, with Congress and with the US Embassy in Ireland.
