Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
126. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the action he will take in view of reports of a clampdown on undocumented immigrants in the United States of America, particularly in the context of the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32779/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he or his officials have spoken to the US authorities in recent days regarding the undocumented Irish and efforts to regularise their status; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32780/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 126 and 127 together.
I am aware from reporting by our diplomatic and consular network in the US and from statements by the US Administration of potential enforcement action against undocumented immigrants in the US.
Officials in my Department, including our Embassy in Washington, D.C. and our six Consulates General across the US, are monitoring the situation closely and are continuing to actively support Irish community groups that work with undocumented Irish citizens.
My officials engage with US officials on immigration issues on an ongoing basis, including with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Officials in the Americas Unit of my Department met just this week with the US Embassy in Dublin to discuss visa and immigration issues.
Our Embassy in Washington, D.C and six Consulates also have close working relationships with the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres in the US. The Coalition and its member organisations receive annual funding through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme for their work, including their support for vulnerable Irish and the undocumented. The Coalition and its members stand ready to provide reliable and accurate information to any Irish citizen in the US with concerns in the current context.
