12 Jul 2021, 12:47
The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence will discuss immigration matters in the United States at a meeting in Leinster House, tomorrow, Tuesday, 13 July with representatives from the Irish Lobby of Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers.
The meeting will take place in Committee Room 2 at 12.30pm.
Ciaran Saunton, Chair of the Irish Lobby of Immigration Reform (ILIR); and Aileen Leonard Dibra, Celine Kennelly, Ronnie Millar, Michael Collins and John Stahl from the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers (CIIC) will appear, vritually, by video link, before the Committee for the discussion.
Irish Lobby of Immigration Reform, which was founded in 2005, campaigns for reform of United States immigration law and for legalizing undocumented Irish immigrants.
The Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers was established in 1996 to promote the welfare of Irish immigrants in the US at a national level. The Coalition serves as a national umbrella organization representing Irish immigration and community centers throughout the United States that are committed to providing support to Irish immigrants. CIIC member organizations are located in California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Philadelphia and Washington.
Committee Cathaoirleach Charlie Flanagan TD said: “The Committee welcomes the opportunity to discuss all aspects of immigration in the US particularly following the change of administration there. Irish immigration centres throughout the US, supported by funding under the Emigrant Support Programme provide essential services and support not only to the Irish diaspora but to many immigrants living in the US from all over the world.
The Committee looks forward to hearing from those at the heart of the Irish diaspora in the US on the issues they face and to also receive an update on those undocumented in the U.S. and the many challenges they face particularly in the midst of the global pandemic.”
Watch the meeting live.
Committee membership
Deputies