Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2022
333. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress that has been made to date on resolving the issue of undocumented Irish in the United States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57902/22]
View answerAddressing the difficult situation of undocumented Irish emigrants has been a key priority for successive Governments, and is raised by senior members of this Government at every opportunity. The issue was a notable element of the our high-level political engagements over the St Patrick’s Day period this year, notably during the exchange between the Taoiseach and President Biden.
The Embassy of Ireland in Washington D.C. and network of Consulates across the US continue to raise immigration issues, to seek new immigration pathways, and to support US immigration reform through active engagement at all levels with the US Administration and political leaders at the federal and state levels.
A key element of this engagement includes finding long-term solutions to address the challenges faced by the undocumented Irish in the US. An example of this is a bill passed by the Massachusetts State Senate in May that will enable undocumented immigrants to acquire a Massachusetts Driving License. Our Consulate in Boston has actively supported this initiative, which will soon become law. This will improve the lives on undocumented Irish citizens living in the State in a small, but practical way.
The Government also remains committed to providing support and annual funding to Irish community organisations, including the US Coalition of Irish Immigration Centres, which remain a tremendous resource for our citizens living in the US. The Department of Foreign Affairs actively supports many of these organisations through the Government’s Emigrant Support Programme.
