Labour Senator Jimmy Harte is encouraged by the news that Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore is traveling to Washington to advance the case of the undocumented Irish in America, many of whom are from Donegal.
“I spoke personally today with the Tánaiste about the situation and he assured me that this visit to Washington is for the sole purpose of helping those who find themselves in a legal purgatory. He will meet with US officials as well as Senators and members of the House of Representatives.
“The legislation – which was drafted over several months by a cross-party group of eight US Senators – includes provisions that would help resolve the plight of thousands of undocumented Irish people who are living illegally in the US. It also provides for future legal migration between Ireland and the US,” he said.
The Letterkenny-based Senator said the Bill is a very positive development which, if adopted, would help to end the great hardship and uncertainty faced by undocumented Irish in the US and their families here in Ireland and Donegal is a county with many sons and daughters in America.
“There are thousands of families at home who are directly affected by the situation and I know personally of Irish people in the US who were unable to travel home for family occasions such as funerals and weddings.
“The inclusion of a new provision to allow several thousand Irish citizens to legally avail of employment opportunities in the US every year is also particularly welcome.”
He added that both of these issues have been a key focus of the Tánaiste who is personally committed to getting a solution to the situation.
“He has ongoing engagement with political leaders in the US, particularly during his visit to Washington D.C. over St. Patrick’s Day when he discussed the draft Senate Bill with Secretary of State, John Kerry, and several other members of Congress.
“I am conscious that the overall issues involved are complex and sensitive ones within the US political system and that much further debate is likely to be required before the final shape of any overall legislation becomes clear.
“The Tánaiste will this week will hopefully make contact with the bi-partisan group of US Senators who have spearheaded this historic initiative. The Government will continue to liaise closely with them and other key stakeholders in Congress and throughout the Irish-American community.
“This draft Senate Bill is another significant step towards an ultimate outcome that has been long-sought by generations of Irish migrants to the US and their families”.
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