Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 October 2004
219 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties facing young persons who are resident in the United States by the introduction of new immigration procedures and control; if this matter has been discussed with the United States authorities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23631/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, there has been a progressive tightening of United States immigration controls and procedures. Most recently, on 30 September last, the US extended what are called its US-VISIT procedures to nationals of 27 countries, including Ireland, entitled to enter the US under the visa waiver programme. US-VISIT procedures include the taking of finger print scans and digital photographs. The use of this data is intended to enhance the verification of the identity of travellers entering the United States. Similar procedures are, we understand, going to be put in place at points of exit from the United States to record the departure of nationals of visa waiver countries.
During his recent visit to New York, my predecessor had the opportunity to meet with representatives of immigration centres which offer assistance to Irish citizens and which are recipients of Irish Government funding. He heard from them at first hand of the concerns of the undocumented Irish, including measures which would serve to create a tighter link between official documentation, such as in particular driver's licences, and authorised residency in the United States.
In this general regard, I would like to stress that the situation of the undocumented Irish in the United States is raised regularly in our bilateral contacts with US political leaders, including when the Taoiseach and my predecessor met with President Bush at the EU-US Summit in Dromoland in June 2004.
The Embassy in Washington and our network of consulates work closely with Irish citizens in vulnerable circumstances in the United States and with voluntary Irish organisations there which provide assistance and support to them. We are particularly concerned about the situation of the undocumented and I can assure the Deputy that, through our contacts with political leaders in the US, we will continue to encourage and seek support for measures that would help alleviate their situation.
