Minister Calls For Measures To Regularise The Status Of Undocumented Irish In U.S.

Taking advantage of the visit by a delegation of nine US Congressmen and Congress-women at the conference, the Minister stressed that "a major priority area for the Government is our undocumented community in the United States." 

"We are aware that some undocumented Irish people resident in the US are unable to travel home to visit their families, and we understand the difficulty and stress that this causes for them and their families," he continued.

"We take every opportunity to convey to US political leaders the urgent need to address the issues involved."

He also addressed the bipartisan immigration bill introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congressmen Luis Gutierrez and Jeff Flake last month. Minister Ahern said he "warmly welcomed this significant advance in the debate.  Although the legislative situation is fluid and the final outcome uncertain, the introduction of the bipartisan bill in the House marks a significant advance in the debate.  In the weeks ahead, I will be attaching the highest priority to our efforts on behalf of the undocumented Irish."