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Undocumented Irish in the USA

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2022

Thursday, 23 June 2022

Ceisteanna (245)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

245. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that has been made since the election of President Joe Biden in rectifying the situation for the undocumented Irish in America; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33476/22]

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 are raised in our high-level political engagements with the US at every opportunity, not least during the Taoiseach’s bilateral engagement with President Biden for St. Patrick’s Day. I also raised immigration issues during my most recent visit to Washington, D.C. and Boston in late April.

I am pleased to see that immigration, including identifying possible pathways to citizenship for the undocumented, is a priority for President Biden, as demonstrated by his proposed US Citizenship Act of 2021. The Irish Government is actively supporting the efforts being made by his Administration, as well as efforts being made by the US Congress, in the pursuit of comprehensive immigration reform, which still remains a very divisive issue politically in the US.

Our Embassy in Washington D.C. and network of Consulates across the US continue to raise immigration issues, seek new immigration pathways, and support US immigration reform through active engagement at all levels with the US Administration and political leaders.

A key element of this engagement includes finding long-term solutions to address the challenges faced by the undocumented Irish in the US. An example of this is a bill passed by the Massachusetts State Senate in May that will enable undocumented immigrants to acquire a Massachusetts Driving License. Our Consulate in Boston has supported this initiative which will improve the lives of undocumented Irish citizens, in a small but practical way, living in that state. 

The Government also remains committed to providing support and annual funding to organisations, including the US Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers. These facilities, in turn, provide advice and support to our citizens across the USA, in particular to those who are undocumented. In 2021-22, €4.22m has been provided annually for this work through the Emigrant Support Programme.

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