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Undocumented Irish in the USA

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 February 2022

Wednesday, 23 February 2022

Ceisteanna (138)

Pauline Tully

Ceist:

138. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the actions he has taken to raise the situation of the undocumented Irish with the new administration in the United States of America since it came to power; if he will consider appointing an Irish Government representative focussed on dealing with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10290/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Providing ongoing support, along with finding long term solutions, to address the challenges faced by the undocumented Irish in the US, remains a key priority for this Government. 

Immigration matters continue to be raised by senior members of the Government at every opportunity, and will be a key issue raised during the upcoming series of St Patrick's Day engagements, not least by the Taoiseach with President Biden.

I, and my Department, have continued to raise immigration issues and seek new immigration pathways, through active engagement at all levels with the US Administration and political leaders. I have raised the matter of our undocumented a number of times, including in high level meetings during my most recent visit to Washington, D.C. We continue to seek opportunities to deepen and strengthen our bilateral relationship with the US Administration and members of Congress on a bipartisan basis, including in support of US immigration reform, through our Embassy in Washington D.C., which acts as the Irish Government's representative in the US.  

The Government also remains committed to providing support and annual funding to the US Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers through our Emigrant Support Programme. These facilities, in turn, provide support to Irish citizens, including the undocumented Irish in the US. In 2020, in response to the pandemic, a dedicated COVID-19 Response Fund for Irish Communities abroad was set up to help these organisations meet the needs of those who are particularly vulnerable. In 2021, over €4.2 million was paid to diaspora organisations in the US for emigrant support and Covid-19 related projects.

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