Enda Kenny reveals visa push

Irish leader says new drive for illegal Irish in the U.S. on the horizon

KATE KICKEY,

IrishCentral.com Editor

Published Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 8:30 AM

Updated Thursday, May 12, 2011, 5:14 PM

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Irish Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny

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Speaking to the Dail (Irish Parliament) on Tuesday, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny said a new drive to give legal status to Irish immigrants currently living outside the law in the U.S. would begin shortly.

He said that given security concerns in the U.S., "it may well be that a package of enforcement measures may have to be brought forward” and that a possibility existed that some other measures would be passed too.

The possibility is that current immigrants could apply for an E-3 visa, which would allow them to remain in the U.S., as long as they have an employer to sponsor them. The E-3 visa is currently only available to Australian citizens, but it could be amended to allow other nationalities to apply for it.

Kenny explained that this amendment to the E-3 visa would be tabled by New York Senator Charles Schumer, who has been in regular contact with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform.

There is a quota of 10,500 E-3 visas per annum while there are thought to be up to 50, 000 undocumented Irish in the U.S.

Kenny said that while this was not ideal it would allow for a "release of pressure" with regards to undocumented immigrants. It would allow currently illegal immigrants to visit home for the first time in decades. Those who are undocumented cannot return home as they would not be permitted to re-enter the U.S.

Kenny also reiterated that that comprehensive

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GeorgeDillon | May 12, 2011, 08:52 AM EDT

Why don't the Irish and other illegal aliens just go home and apply to come live here in the way that our laws set down? Just because Ireland has an Open Door immigration "policy", in which virtually anyone can settle Ireland doesn't mean smarter countries should follow such lunacy.

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JimMcGarity | May 11, 2011, 05:55 PM EDT

Gee, I was just about ready to move back home. Like to find a job myself.

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John5319 | May 11, 2011, 11:28 AM EDT

"living outside the Law" ... is the definition of the word ILLEGAL, for in much the same way robbing a Bank is outside the Law and ILLEGAL !! This is a Utopian fantasy, and is obfuscation of the Laws legally established, by a representative government,.... not by DICTATORIAL decree !! If you don't abide by the laws, clearly established, then you CHOOSE to be a criminal ... that lives "outside the Law". For ANY country to try to force the Congress of the U.S. to implement IT'S WILL, it's desires, defiles the intent, and words, in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution on which the USA was founded !! This is an absurd notion, and a destructive Evil ideology against a SOVEREIGN nation, but one which the cabal of Global Socialists would love to see, making you their serf and economic slave.

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simplesandy | May 11, 2011, 10:48 AM EDT

this does not help my situation. my b/f is Irish and I am an American..I am living here in Ireland an we would love to come to the USA for cost of living is better. my b/f is a musician and he is great singer/songwriter. I also sing and songwrite.look on you tube and listen to My Ireland original and let me know what you think. well he would be glad to give the Gov half of what he makes to get in..anyone in USA want to sponsor him .lol.would help. sometimes I feel so drained from worry.

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cailinahaon | May 11, 2011, 10:12 AM EDT

I dont want to sound pessimistic but I dont see this or anything else happening as regards to Immigration Reform in the near future. I wish I could be more excited.

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antoman | May 11, 2011, 10:03 AM EDT

Dail..Taoiseach..Finally.Thank you Kate Kickey.

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