Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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582. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if progress has been made in relation to immigration reform in the United States of America with particular reference to the status of the undocumented Irish; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20967/20]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The issue of Irish immigration to the United States, and in particular the status of the  undocumented Irish, has been a high priority for successive Governments and it will continue to be prioritised by the new Government. Immigration issues have been continuously raised in interactions with the US Administration and political leaders, including by the then Taoiseach during his St. Patrick's Day visit to the White House in March, and more recently by the Taoiseach in high level calls to members of the US Administration. I have also raised issues of immigration in my recent contact with Special Envoy Mick Mulvaney and with the US Ambassador.

In terms of securing future pathways for immigration, the E3 Visa Bill, which was passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year, is currently before the Senate. If passed, this could open up approximately 4,000 US visas per year to Irish graduates. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, Congress has many additional issues on its agenda; however we hope that when the circumstances allow, the Bill will also be passed in the Senate.

In the US, our officials also continue to engage and advocate on behalf of the undocumented. Our Embassy in Washington, D.C. and our seven Consulates General across the US are monitoring the situation closely and are continuing to actively support Irish community groups that work with undocumented Irish citizens. They engage with US officials on immigration issues on an ongoing basis, including with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Our Mission network also works closely with the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres, which, together with its member organisations, provides support and information to vulnerable Irish and the undocumented. This regular engagement has continued virtually in recent months due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The Coalition and its member organisations receive significant annual funding through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme for their work. In 2019 alone, over €3 million ($3.7 million) was allocated to 76 organisations across the US, including those that provide front line welfare assistance to Irish citizens. Furthermore, in response to the pandemic, a dedicated Covid-19 Response Fund for Irish Communities Abroad has been set up within my Department to help these organisations meet the needs of those who have recently been made particularly vulnerable. In the past two months, both I and the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy have met virtually with several organisations in the United States which, with the assistance of this Fund, are providing much needed emergency support to Irish communities.

While comprehensive immigration reform is a complex and sensitive political issue in the US at  present, our Embassy in Washington D.C. and our Consulates General across the United States will continue to monitor the situation and stand ready to engage with any Federal and State initiatives on this issue.