John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)

Significant changes need to be introduced in US immigration laws with regard to Irish citizens in the US under the visa waiver programme, VWP. A large number of people from County Sligo, illegally in the US, cannot return home with no sense of compassion or consideration given to them. The VWP enables Irish citizens to remain in the States for 90 days but not to secure employment locally. The provision for individuals on holidays under the VWP to transfer to another category is extremely limited. The US President, Mr. Bush, has proposed a new form of temporary work permits which would be available to both undocumented Irish emigrants in the US and those seeking to enter the US to take up pre-arranged employment. This is critically important and has been discussed for some time. It is time the level of involvement between Ireland and the US, going back to the American Civil War in which more than 200,000 Irish people gave their lives, is rightly recognised when the undocumented Irish citizens in America are considered.

The US Senators Tom Daschle and Senator Chuck Hagel have announced a bipartisan plan for immigration reform that would enable undocumented foreign nationals in the US to legalise their status if they fulfil certain conditions. It is important this happens. Senator Edward Kennedy has also introduced a draft immigration reform Bill entitled the Safe, Orderly Legal Visas and Enforcement Act, the SOLVE Act, to provide opportunities for undocumented immigrants to regularise their status.

I compliment Deputy Connaughton and other Members for going to Capitol Hill to discus this important issue. All these proposals have been welcomed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs as representing genuine efforts to deal with the situation of the undocumented Irish in the US in a constructive and sympathetic way.

This matter is now critically important in light of the massive amount of documentation required — rightly so, given the war on terrorism — to enter the United States. However, people living there cannot even get a driving licence and are afraid of being arrested on the street and deported.

There are three ways to enter America. The first is through sponsorship by an immediate family member who is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. The second is through sponsorship by a prospective employer in certain fields, such as for persons of extraordinary ability in the fields of science, business or sporting achievements. The third way is through the diversity lottery programme. Irish citizens can in November of each year apply for a lottery held in the United States. It will again be on offer from November of this year and people can apply for it.

I call on Mr. Bush to firm up the proposals he clearly made when he met the Taoiseach. It is equally important that progress be made on Senator Kennedy's proposed SOLVE Act providing opportunities for undocumented people. The Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Conor Lenihan, is in the Chamber. This motion should be sent directly to President Bush to demonstrate the level of determination on the part of Members from all sides of the House that he should honour his commitment to deal with this matter forthwith. The US President should further this matter on Capitol Hill. The US Senators Tom Daschle, Chuck Hagel and Edward Kennedy have all spoken about this matter and we now need action. Those who are undocumented in America need immediate attention on this issue because sympathy is no longer good enough. Such people have contributed enormously to the benefit and success of America's economy and now need some action.

This is important because of the restricted level of opportunities available to undocumented people in America. In some cases they have families there. What is now needed is a level of commitment. Other speakers have already stated that such people should not be obliged to return to Ireland. There should be a temporary facility whereby people could make a declaration. They could then be granted temporary visas. Something must be done to provide them with an opportunity. While programmes such as the green card and lottery schemes obviously provide a unique opportunity to people, many who have won such lotteries in the past now live in Ireland. We must deal with the citizens living in America illegally. I am delighted that the Minister will act on this motion.

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