Illegal Irish immigrants may be given right to stay in US

Thousands of illegal Irish immigrants may reportedly be given the right to stay in the United States under new proposals put forward by the Bush administration.

Reports this morning said US Ambassador James Kenny briefed the Oireachtas foreign affairs committee about the proposals yesterday.

Under the plans, illegal Irish immigrants would reportedly have to present themselves to the authorities, show they have a good record and pay a fine.

They would then apparently be granted a three-year temporary visa, after which they could apply for permanent US residency.