Ahern to meet Senators behind US immigration reform bill

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, is due to meet a number of US Senators today to discuss moves to secure an amnesty for illegal Irish immigrants.

An estimated 50,000 Irish people are living and working in the US illegally.

US Senators John McCain and Ted Kennedy have put forward proposals that could see these people and other illegal immigrants granted green cards after six years.

Irish politicians have given their backing to the move and Mr Ahern is due to meet Mr McCain and Mr Kennedy to discuss ways to push forward the legislation .

Last night, Mr Ahern met the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, a group set up to campiagn for legal status for undocumented Irish workers.

Meanwhile, the Taoiseach is also due to meet a number of other Senators and Congressmen today to brief them on Irish issues, particularly the peace process in the North.