Intervention needed to address plight of undocumented Irish in US - FF

​Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Darragh O’Brien has called on the Government to make an early intervention with President Trump's administration on the plight of the undocumented Irish.


Speaking as speculation grows about the President's Cabinet appointments, Deputy O’Brien commented, “There are many challenges ahead and I hope that the long and valued friendship between Ireland and America will continue to prosper under Mr Trump's presidency.


“A number of issues were raised during the election campaign that directly affect Ireland, including the position of the undocumented.


“Despite the fact that many of the 50,000 Irish people have been living in America for decades, they have virtually no rights and their situation causes untold stress and uncertainty for them and their families. There are thousands of Irish couples who have had children in the United States but are unable to bring their children home to Ireland for holidays for fear they will not be allowed back into the States.


“Fianna Fáil in Government actively lobbied both the US President and US Congress seeking action on the plight of the undocumented Irish in the US, and published the party’s policy document on the issue in 2014" added O'Brien.


“As we embark on a new Presidential term there must be stronger emphasis on inter-parliamentary relations between the Irish and US Governments in order to strengthen the rights of Irish citizens in the US and to continue to pursue a solution to the undocumented problem. 


“I will be holding discussions with Irish emigrant groups to see how best we can progress this issue and I am calling on Minister Flanagan to use his role to ensure that the measures previously promised on immigration reform in the United States are realised”.