Written answers

Thursday, 23 February 2006

Department of Foreign Affairs

Emigrant Support Services

4:00 pm

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 104: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the intervention he has made or plans to make in the effort to secure rights of residency for Irish people working in the USA; his assessment of the present views of the US Legislature towards granting long-term residency to persons who have work permits and towards allowing the undocumented workers to regularise their position and be permitted to apply for work permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7540/06]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The current legislative debate on immigration reform in the US Congress involves differing approaches and strongly held opinions. Some members of Congress, for example, are strongly opposed to any proposals which would allow undocumented people the opportunity to regularise their status. Another point of divergence surrounds discussion of the length of time which bearers of a new category of worker visa, were it to be introduced, might be permitted to remain in the US. Some US legislators argue that the period of residence must be finite while others, such as Senators Kennedy and McCain, believe — as we do — that bearers of such worker visas should have open to them a path to permanent residency. It is clear that achieving the necessary compromise remains a formidable challenge.

The Government will continue to lobby intensively on this issue in the critical period ahead, including over the St. Patrick's Day period, emphasising our support for measures that would allow the undocumented an opportunity to regularise their residency status. In this regard, we will continue to make known our support for the inclusion in any final compromise legislation of the key elements of the approach put forward by Senators Kennedy and McCain.

There is, of course, considerable legal migration by Irish people to the US prompted in part by transfers within US companies but also, increasingly, by the needs of Irish companies establishing a presence in the US. In 2004, over 18,000 non-immigrant worker visas were issued to Irish citizens, with most of these sponsored by their employers. There are possibilities for renewal of certain categories of worker visas.

The network of Irish immigration centres is a valuable resource in providing information and advice on possible options. These centres are located across the US and work closely with the embassy in Washington and with our consulates-general in Boston, Chicago, New York and San Francisco. Their work is strongly supported by the Government, including through substantial annual funding.

Against a background of huge domestic sensitivity in the US on the immigration issue, the Deputy can be assured that the overall situation is receiving the most rigorous ongoing monitoring and assessment.

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