Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 June 2023
32. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for an update on long-term solutions to address the challenges faced by the undocumented Irish in the US and his work to continue to seek new immigration pathways for Irish citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28737/23]
View answer34. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if any progress is being made with regards to the undocumented Irish in America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28783/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 32 and 34 together.
Addressing the status of undocumented Irish citizens in the United States remains a priority for the Government. Immigration matters are raised on a regular and ongoing basis with U.S. political representatives.
The Government actively supports the Biden administration’s efforts to achieve comprehensive immigration reform. While comprehensive reform would be the optimal solution for undocumented Irish citizens, I do not underestimate the obstacles to achieving this given the political sensitivities of immigration issues in the United States, including in Congress.
Immigration matters feature consistently in high level political engagements with the United States. During my visit to Washington last February, I raised the question of access to visas with politicians on both sides of the aisle, while the issue has also been raised directly with President Biden in recent months.
In addition, in March I raised the issue of the undocumented with Congressman Richie Neal. Representative Neal is co-Chair of the Congressional Friends of Ireland, and has been a steadfast advocate for the undocumented Irish over many years. During that visit, I also spent time with organisations in New York and Boston that are actively supporting the Irish diaspora. My Department provided over €4.2 million in Emigrant Support Programme Funding this year to organisations that provide ongoing, valuable assistance to our citizens, including the undocumented, in the United States.
Minister of State Fleming was in the United States last week, where he had the opportunity to hear directly from organisations in receipt of this Emigrant Support Funding, and to see first hand the very real and practical assistance that they provide to Irish immigrants, including the undocumented.
In addition to this support and to our engagement at the Federal level through our Embassy in DC, our eight Consulates General in the U.S. proactively seek opportunities to improve the day-to-day lives of the Irish undocumented., including by working with local state legislatures. An example of this is in Massachusetts, where new legislation will take effect in a number of weeks that will enable residents to apply for drivers' licences, irrespective of their immigration status. The Consulate General of Ireland in Boston led a sustained campaign in support of this reform for many years, and I strongly welcome the passage of this law, which will make a modest but appreciable difference in lives of undocumented Irish citizens in Massachusetts.
