Written answers

Thursday, 19 February 2009

Department of Foreign Affairs

Emigrant Support Services

5:00 pm

Photo of Jack WallJack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views in relation to correspondence (details supplied); the position regarding the meetings and so on that he has had in regard to the matters raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6869/09]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government attaches the highest importance to resolving the plight of our undocumented citizens in the United States.

In the absence, to date, of comprehensive immigration reform in the United States, we have actively pursued a bilateral approach in this area, aimed at reforming our overall immigration arrangements with the United States and facilitating greater legal migration between the two countries. The approach has had three core objectives; a reciprocal Working Holiday Agreement; new bilateral arrangements to provide reciprocal long term working visas (known as E3s); and a solution for our undocumented.

The first of these objectives has already been delivered, and the second, the provision of long term working visas similar to the E3 Visas available to Australian citizens, has formed the basis for detailed discussions with senior Member of Congress over the past twelve months.

A bilateral programme on long term working visas would represent a very significant step in the reform of our immigration arrangements with the US and, like the working holiday agreement, would represent an important investment in the long term health of this vital bilateral relationship.

I would like to emphasise that our efforts in these areas in no way dilute the Government's strong commitment to finding a solution for the undocumented, whose welfare remains a key priority. We are in ongoing contact with US law-makers on this issue.

The Taoiseach, I and other members of Government will use the unique opportunity afforded by the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the US to engage the new Administration at the very highest level on this issue.

There is no evidence of undocumented Irish citizens, in Boston or elsewhere, being targeted by the US authorities. However, while the numbers of undocumented Irish being detained and deported has not increased significantly in recent years (see table below), the anxiety and stress deportation causes, highlighted in the correspondence the Deputy has attached, is very real. Our Ambassador in Washington has raised the issue of detentions with senior officials at the State Department and the Embassy and Consulates provide consular assistance and support to all Irish citizens, including those threatened with or awaiting deportation. Through the emigrant support programme, the Government also supports a range of services, coordinated by Irish immigration centres throughout the United States, which are of direct benefit to the undocumented, including welfare, information and advisory services.

Table — Deportation figures (2000-2008) provided by the US Department of Homeland Security
YearTotalCriminalNon-criminal(Immigration related)
2000291514
2001501733
2002641549
2003691752
2004632439
2005431231
2006391227
2007421725
2008661848

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