Dáil debates

Wednesday, 7 November 2007

Undocumented Irish in the United States: Motion (Resumed).

 

8:00 pm

Photo of Pat GallagherPat Gallagher (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

On behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, I welcome the consensus on this motion. I have been a Member since 1981 and it is not very often that there is such consensus. It is a fair indication of the cross-party concern. Last night and tonight we recognised the difficult circumstances faced every day by the undocumented Irish from every county, in the United States. There is consensus that we want the US authorities to respond to the plight of those concerned and recognise the contribution they make to American life and the economy. To do so would be in everyone's interest, particularly the undocumented. A way to achieve this must be found and we can all contribute in this regard.

Speakers from all parties have recognised the changed immigration policy in the United States which reflects the security-centred climate that exists since the events of 11 September 2001. The unfortunate reality is that immigration reform is now a very sensitive political issue in the United States and the presidential and congressional elections are approaching. Yesterday in the US Senate in Washington, a proposal to introduce temporary visas for essential farm workers in agricultural states, such as California, where there is strong demand for workers to bring in the crops, was withdrawn because of a lack of support. The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act 2007, which offers a path to permanent residence for young people brought to the United States before they were 16 years, was also rejected in the Senate. There is no doubt about the present level of opposition to any general amnesty for those who do not have legal approval to live and work in the United States.

An opinion poll in the conservative newspaper The Washington Times indicated yesterday that 77% of those questioned opposed the proposal to grant driving licences to undocumented Irish. Several speakers have drawn attention to the US-Australia bilateral arrangement as a template for us to follow in resolving this problem. The arrangements between the United States and Australia permit up to 10,500 Australians with third level qualifications to work in the United States on special E3 visas. Last year, only 1,400 Australians availed of this scheme which is not reciprocal and is not open to undocumented Australians in the United States. However, there are aspects of the E3 visa arrangement that could be very attractive to the Irish. The Minister for Foreign Affairs is examining this closely.

The Government is examining access to the United States for Irish people so they can contribute to the US economy and gain valuable experience in a legally compliant arrangement. This will not be achieved easily but it is worth great effort, and it behoves us all to work together to ensure we can resolve this issue.

I refute any criticism of the Taoiseach who raises this issue at every opportunity.

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