New bill gives hope to illegal Irish in US
The proposed legislation combines tough border security and tighter workplace rules to try to stem the flow of undocumented foreigners into the States.
But it could give millions hope of obtaining full citizenship and end fears of deportation.
Dermot Ahern, Foreign Affairs Minister, said the move was greatly welcomed.
“I greatly appreciate the determination of a bill in the House of Representatives to make positive progress on the sensitive issue of immigration reform,” he said.
It is estimated there are at least 12 million illegals in the US.
The latest immigration bill is being introduced in the US House of Representatives by Luis Gutierrez, an Illinois Democrat and Jeff Flake, an Arizona Republican.
The bipartisan proposal would create a conditional non-immigrant status formillions of illegals with a visa allowing them to work and live while they seek permanent status and eventual citizenship.
And to appease conservatives it also includes requirements to learn English, a fine system and taxes.
Illegal immigrants would be asked to leave the US and re-enter legally during their conditional status period.
Last year the Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill put forward by leading Irish American politician Senator Ted Kennedy and Senator John McCain.
But their proposal faced serious opposition from some Republicans who described it as an amnesty rewarding illegal behaviour.
This time round however, the pair have failed to agree on draft legislation.
Mr Ahern said: “Although the legislative situation is fluid and the final outcome uncertain, the introduction of the bipartisan bill in the House marks a significant advance in the debate.”
“In the critical period ahead, I will continue to attach the highest priority to our efforts on behalf of the undocumented Irish.
“I know that my efforts on their behalf will be strongly complemented by the very effective work of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform.”
One other option suggested is a smaller reform to allow tens of thousands of Irish undocumented immigrants to work in the US but allowed to travel at will.
But it would stop short of full US citizenship.
Over the St Patrick’s Day visit to Washington, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and the Foreign Minister raised concerns about undocumented Irish in meetings including directly with President George W Bush and leading Irish-American Senator Ted Kennedy.
The Taoiseach has said he is anxious to see an immigration bill go through this year but they are also conscious of asking for too much from US legislators and coming up short.
The matter was also discussed with Speaker of the House Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, chairman of the key Senate Judiciary Committee Senator Patrick Leahy and other key figures on Capitol Hill.
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