Comprehensive Immigration Reform Fails In The Senate

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern, T.D., vowed to continue the fight to secure citizenship for thousands of illegal Irish in America after the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Bill failed to achieve cloture in the U.S. for the second time.

The bill, which was backed by President Bush did not get the support needed in the U.S. Senate making it unlikely that there will any further progress until after the next U.S. President is sworn in, in January 2009.

An estimated 25,000 undocumented Irish are living in the U.S. and most are unable to travel home for fear of being refused re-entry.

Mr Ahern insisted the Government would continue to press for immigration reform to help them.

"The Government is fully committed to responding to the concerns of the undocumented Irish and will continue to take every opportunity to convey to U.S. political leaders the urgent need to address this major issue, which impacts directly on many families in Ireland," he said.

"The Government will continue to support our citizens in the United States who find themselves in this difficult situation

"This set-back will not diminish our determination to secure the fair deal for the undocumented Irish and their families."

The bill's fell 14 short of the 60 votes needed to secure a further ballot.

Mr Ahern praised President Bush and the Senators supporting the bill for their efforts in trying to secure cross-party support for immigration reform.

According to the Foreign Ministry, Minister Ahern has asked the Irish Ambassador in Washington to provide a full assessment of the campaign.