asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on a recent report (details supplied) which stated that thousands of Irish illegal immigrants in New York are trying to obtain British passports to stay in the United States.
Written Answers. - Irish Illegal Immigrants.
61.
From inquiries I have made it would appear that the media report to which the Deputy refers is without foundation.
The basis for the article lies in the recent agreement between the US and British Governments under which British passport holders who are going to the US on a short (less than 90 days) stay, hold a non-transferable, non-refundable onward or return ticket and satisfy the general requirements of US immigration control (e.g. they are not coming to engage in unauthorised employment) can travel without getting a US visa. The scheme does not apply to, nor does it confer any advantages on, aliens already in the United States.