Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2021
378. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his approach to dealing with the new US administration, in particular the impact of its proposals for immigration reform on the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3969/21]
View answerStrengthening bilateral relations with the US is a priority for Ireland as set out in our Programme for Government, as well in our Strategy for the US and Canada 2019-2025. We continue to maintain close relations with Members of Congress and contacts from across the political spectrum, and will continue to seek opportunities to deepen and strengthen our bilateral relations with the new administration of President Joe Biden.
In particular, we look forward to working with the new Administration, as well as with the United States Congress, across the aisle, to pursue comprehensive immigration reform in the US. I am delighted to see that immigration issues, including regarding pathways to citizenship, are a priority for the new US President. Our Embassy and network of Consulates General will continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to engage with Federal and State initiatives on these issues.
The issue of Irish immigration to the US, particularly the status of the undocumented Irish, has been a high priority for successive Governments and continues to be one of my key priorities. Immigration issues have been raised on an ongoing basis in our engagement with US Administrations and political leaders. I have raised these issues in contacts with members of the previous US Administration and both Houses of Congress, including during my visit to Washington D.C. at the end of September last year.
In terms of securing future pathways for immigration, we continue to prioritise the E3 Visa Bill. If passed, this could allow access to thousands of US visas each year to Irish citizens, providing new opportunities to live and work in the US. Now that the new Administration and new Congress is in place, we will seek the reintroduction of the Bill at the earliest opportunity.
