Obama’s immigration powers limited

The Taoiseach has welcomed changes to US immigration rules which will help some of the reported 50,000 undocumented Irish living there to "come out of the shadows" without fear of deportation.

US president Barack Obama announced the measures which will also allow illegal immigrants to apply for work permits once they meet certain criteria.

Enda Kenny said: “Clearly the United States realises that with so many millions of immigrants in the country, you’d be better to legitimise serious numbers of these who can contribute to the American society, the American economy and have the freedom to work.