Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This issue has two aspects, first of which is the position of the undocumented Irish in the US. We estimate that there are approximately 50,000. As Deputy Smith mentioned, some of them have been living in the US for some time and cannot return home for funerals. They are in difficult circumstances. We are anxious to have their position regularised.

Second, we have been advancing an idea for the E-3 visa that would enable new Irish immigrants to work in the US. The model used is the E-3 arrangement negotiated by Australia.

A major change occurred during the US presidential election, that is, a clear bipartisan political determination to introduce legislation on comprehensive immigration reform.

Overall, our understanding is that this is legislation that potentially could cover approximately 11 million immigrants in the US. We want to ensure that the needs of the undocumented Irish are included in any such legislative reform. That is why we are discussing the matter directly with the US Administration and why we are also discussing it with Senators and Members of Congress on both sides of the political aisle in the US.

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