James Breen
Ceist:5 Mr. J. Breen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the US administration will grant an amnesty to illegal Irish immigrants who have lived and worked in the USA for more than five years. [30501/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 24 November 2004
Ceisteanna (5)
Freagraí ó Béal (3 píosaí cainte)
Immigration controls and procedures represent a highly sensitive issue in the United States, especially since the tragic events of 11 September 2001. We can anticipate a vigorous debate in the US Congress on any measures proposed to regularise the circumstances of undocumented people.
The House can be assured that the ambassador and officials in the Embassy in Washington monitor closely the debate on immigration reform. Initiatives in this regard have been made by President Bush and certain members of Congress. While some of these initiatives might offer undocumented Irish people the possibility of obtaining legal residency, none of them involve amnesties.
The Minister believes that these initiatives reflect an awareness of the importance of addressing the situation of the undocumented people in the US in a way that is both constructive and sympathetic. He also welcomes the comments made in recent weeks by senior members of the US Administration that immigration reform will be a high priority during President Bush's second term and that they will work closely with the US Congress in this regard.
Realistically, it is unlikely there will be further concrete developments until the new year when the new teams are in place in the US Administration and the US Congress. The Minister will continue to monitor closely the situation and will raise the issue in his contacts with the US Administration and Legislature.
This is the second time I have raised this issue since I entered the Dáil. No one knows the number of Irish illegal immigrants in the United States but I have defined a broad category who would be eligible for an amnesty —anyone who is working, has held down a job for five years in the United States and who admits that he has been living and working illegally.
The American Government owes this to Ireland because we have left our airports open to US troops. When I visited Capitol Hill with the Ceann Comhairle in June 2003, I asked congressmen from all sides about legalising Irish immigrants and they were all sympathetic. It is sad, however, that our sons and daughters in the United States cannot come here to visit. My daughter-in-law is married to an American citizen and has recently given birth but she cannot come home.
These people were in America before 11September. A period of five years would not include those who were there when the last amnesty took place. Green cards will be granted to people living here this year but that should not happen until all of the illegal Irish immigrants in the US are legalised. The Government should make a greater effort because people cannot come home even when there is a death in the family because they are afraid they will not be let back in. Will the Minister make a genuine effort to secure legal status for the thousands of Irish immigrants in the United States?
I appreciate the Deputy's sincerity on this issue. We all want to ensure the best possible conditions for our citizens no matter where they are. The Taoiseach and the Minister forForeign Affairs raised this issue during President Bush's visit this year and President Bush was very sympathetic. The election is over in the United States and the new Administration and the President will be sworn into office on 30 January. In the spring it will be for the President and his Administration to consider the situation in the context of the millions of illegal immigrants in the United States, of whom the Irish form a small percentage. If account is taken of one particular group, that decision must equally apply to all other groups.
Against that background, we will do what we can in every way possible at the highest level politically and diplomatically, through the ambassador and his staff in Washington and in constant consultation with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Department. I have met the American ambassador three times and discussed this situation with him. I know of people in my area who are in the situation alluded to by Deputy James Breen and I assure him we will do our utmost to make progress in this area as soon as possible, taking into account the complexity of the situation.