Denis Naughten
Question:445. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of E3 visas between the United States of America and Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42478/21]
View answerThursday, 9 September 2021
Questions (445)
Written answers
Immigration issues remain a key priority for the Government in our relationship with the United States. This includes working towards secure legal pathways for Irish people to live and work in the US as well as addressing the situation of undocumented Irish. We have continued to raise these matters in our engagement with successive US Administrations, Members of the US Congress, and leaders from across the political spectrum. The Taoiseach raised the matter in March this year while meeting with President Biden during his St. Patrick's Day virtual visit. He also discussed the issue of the E3 visa bill, and of creating pathways to citizenship, with the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.
I am glad to see that immigration issues, including possible pathways to citizenship, are a priority for President Biden, as demonstrated by his proposed US Citizenship Act of 2021. We continue to pursue the E3 Visa Bill, which, if passed, could allow access to thousands of US visas each year to Irish citizens, providing new opportunities to live and work in the US. Our Embassy in Washington D.C. continues its extensive outreach in support of the Bill, working with a range of Members of the US House of Representatives and the Senate. We will seek the reintroduction of the Bill to Congress at the earliest opportunity.
We will also continue to actively engage with the Administration as they pursue comprehensive immigration reform in the US.