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President Obama’s visit to Ireland to highlight undocumented Irish in the US

New government has given commitment to work towards legalization

MOLLY MULDOON,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Tuesday, April 12, 2011, 7:24 AM

Updated Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 12:22 PM

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The topic of the illegal Irish in American is expected to be raised during President Obama’s trip to Ireland next month.

Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore, has revealed the prospect of a comprehensive reform bill for the 50,000 undocumented Irish and millions of others illegal in the U.S. is unlikely, given the anti immigration climate.

Recent material from his department, released to the Irish Times under the Freedom of Information Act in Ireland reported that there was not likely to be “any significant developments” over the undocumented Irish living in the U.S., over the coming months.

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However, during his recent trip to New York, Gilmore told a group of Irish Immigration advocates: "I am here to listen".

He was advised by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform that the E3 non immigrant visa, already granted to Australia, which allows immigrants to work for two year renewable periods, was the best option.

He promised to raise it with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and subsequently did so.

Speaking about the issue recently in the Irish parliament he reiterated his commitment.

“My department, and the Embassy in Washington in particular, will continue to work proactively on the issue with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates,” he said.

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5 Comments

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themaster88 | May 06, 2011, 11:41 AM EDT

I think it is great that President Obama is coming to Ireland. WE owe a lot to the Americans as they have given thousands of irish people employment.

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Trealach | Apr 13, 2011, 09:21 AM EDT

If people can't respect the laws of other countries, then that country is perfectly right in putting its foot down. Illegal immigration is a scourge on ANY country. Having said that, Ireland's involvement in the success America had, is historically well documented and should be a consideration when deciding immigration policies - but by definition there must be limits to the numbers legally allowed into any country.

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pilib04 | Apr 12, 2011, 05:50 PM EDT

Perhaps a mutual program of immigration reform would work. I know of Americans who would like to get a job in Ireland but are unable to because of restrictive immigration. There are many American College students who desire summer jobs, but are unable to work legally in Ireland. Whatever the case, we should be making every effort to bring out immigration reform. What's with the teabaggers trying to hijack this blog with their kneejerk antiObama posts?

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jdi2269 | Apr 12, 2011, 12:51 PM EDT

WHY DOESN'T IRISH CENTRAL DETAIL OBAMA'S FAILURE AS A PRESIDENT. WHEN PRESIDENT BUSH WANTED TO INCREASE THE DEFICIT, OBAMA LED THE CHARGE CALLING HIM A FAILED LEADER. NOW THAT OBAMA IS IN THE OFFICE, HE HAS INCREASED THE DEFICIT MORE THAN ANY PRESIDENT IN HISTORY AND IS DEMANDING TO INCREASE IT MORE!

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joan1954 | Apr 12, 2011, 10:35 AM EDT

Perhaps this is all good but you still have to put up with the procrastination of Congressman Lamar Smith (R Texas San Antonio) who is head of the house judiciary committee and is not a friend of the Irish even though years ago he voted for the Morrison Visas. Doesn't make since. Maybe the Irish government and their representatives in the country need to take a look at San Antonio and make friends with the politicos and Irish groups there and in other parts of South Texas to get their wishes across. Is that is too much to ask for? The support of the Irish Community is needed, especially those in Lama Smith's district.

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