Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 56: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the way he plans to help the 50,000 undocumented Irish living in the United States by seeking an extension to the E3 work visa currently available to Australian nationals, given that any variation of this type of visa is specifically relevant to new applicants thus disqualifying those already living in the United States; and if he will raise this issue with President Barack Obama during his State visit in May; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6408/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Addressing the situation of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States are important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. I believe that the inclusion of Ireland in an amended reciprocal E3 visa scheme is the most effective way of creating new opportunities for Irish citizens to work in the US on a two year renewable visa. The introduction of such a scheme, which has attracted support from a number of members of Congress from both parties, will require the passage of legislation in Congress.

The successful passage of E3 visa legislation would not provide a comprehensive solution to the situation of the undocumented Irish. It would, however, strengthen the human bridge between the two countries, which underpins our excellent existing bilateral relations, and provide a mechanism for Irish nationals seeking to work in the USA in the future. The most realistic long term solution for our undocumented citizens remains through comprehensive reform of the immigration system.

The Taoiseach raised the issue of the undocumented and the potential for the introduction of an E3 visa with President Obama during his St Patrick's Day visit to Washington. I also discussed the issue with Secretary of State Clinton during our meeting on 18 March and with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform and the Coalition of Irish Centres in New York on 16 March.

While the agenda for President Obama's visit to Ireland in May is not yet finalised, I expect that immigration related issues will be raised by the Government in our meetings with the President.

The Government is encouraged by President Obama's continued commitment to addressing the question of immigration reform. Speaking as recently as 28 March, the President reiterated his support for comprehensive reform of the immigration system, allowing a pathway to citizenship for those who are just looking for a better life and contributing to the country.

I am very aware of the enormous political challenges that face efforts to pass any immigration related legislations at the current time, including the E3 proposal. These difficulties were clearly demonstrated by the failure of efforts to pass the limited DREAM Bill at the end of 2010- a measure that had enjoyed strong public and political support.

My Department, and the Embassy in Washington in particular, will continue to work proactively on the issue with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 57: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the most common form of US work visa, the HB1, is limited to those holding a university degree in a specialty occupation and supported by a labour condition application from a US employer with whom the applicant must be employed on the prevailing wage structure and the way such a scheme could be applied to the current undocumented Irish living in the US; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6409/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The United States operates a range of non-immigrant visa programmes to facilitate entry into that country by nationals of other countries to undertake a number of work related and other activities. One such scheme is the H-1B visa which is limited to applicants with a U.S sponsoring company, working in a number of specialty occupations. Under US Congressional legislation, a maximum of 65,000 H-1B visas can be issued each year. It is a requirement that the visa holder has completed a specific course of higher education. The quota of visas can often be filled early in the year. Figures from the U.S State Department indicate that 616 H-1B-type visas were issued to Irish citizens in 2010.

The participation of Irish citizens in U.S. visa programmes helps to maintain the human bridge between the United States and Ireland and underpin the excellent relations between the two countries.

Addressing the situation of the undocumented Irish and reforming our migration arrangements with the United States are important priorities for the Government in its relationship with the US Administration and Congress. However, the consistent advice from key contacts Congress is that a comprehensive solution for the undocumented would not be achieved through existing visa schemes such as the H-1B visa.

I have outlined my position on the undocumented and the proposed E3 visa in my reply to question number 56 of today.