Undocumented Irish in the US a 'priority' for government

Addressing the situation of undocumented Irish emigrants in the United States will continue to be a priority according to Tánaiste Simon Harris.

Also the Minister for Foreign Affairs, he said working to secure legal pathways for Irish people seeking to live and work in the US will also be prioritised.

The Minister further stated that “efforts to advance have been made with successive US administrations, and this work will continue with the incoming US administration."

He said "high-level political engagements" will take place in Washington DC over the St Patrick's Day period, when Taoiseach Micheál Martin will visit.

The response came after questions submitted by Deputy Smith on the Bill and broader immigration reform efforts,

Deputy Brendan Smith welcomed the continued commitment of the Government to advocating for the rights and legal pathways for undocumented Irish emigrants in the United States.

He also welcomes the recent bipartisan initiative by Congressman Richard Neal and Congressman Mike Kelly, co-Chairs of the Friends of Ireland Caucus, who re-introduced a bill in February 2025 seeking to add Ireland to the E-3 non-immigrant visa programme, a specialised entry visa.

In regards to the re-introduction of the E-3 Visa Bill, the Minister acknowledged this development as “a welcome one,” while also cautioning that “the challenges this bill is likely to face to secure agreement should not be underestimated.”

Deputy Smith said "it is absolutely essential that the plight of the undocumented Irish in the United States remains a key focus for the Government."

"Every opportunity must be availed of to highlight the need to regularise the status of these Irish people in the U.S. who are working hard, paying their taxes, rearing families and contributing to their local communities,” he concluded.