Gallagher welcomes Congressman's comments on undocumented Irish

Congressman Neal was speaking to the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU where he discussed the risk of being unable to return to the US if an undocumented Irish person was to make the trip back home to Ireland.

Senator Robbie Gallagher has welcomed comments from US Congressman Richard Neal supporting a new approach to undocumented Irish people living in the United States.

Congressman Neal was speaking to the Seanad Special Select Committee on the Withdrawal of the UK from the EU where he discussed the risk of being unable to return to the US if an undocumented Irish person was to make the trip back home to Ireland.

Responding to a question by Senator Gallagher, Congressman Neal said, "It's important to remember that in these instances we need them [undocumented Irish] in America.

"In order to support many of our social initiatives including social security and Medicare... we need these people to continue to contribute. And they should be able to do it in the light of the day, not in the dark of the shadows."

Speaking on the remarks by Congressman Neal, Senator Gallagher said, "As we approach Christmas, many of us are thinking of our undocumented loved ones who are living and working in the US and are not able to visit their family here at home.

"Congressman Neal's comments in relation to their status and the potential approach of the new Biden administration are very encouraging on this front. Both Congressman Neal and President-Elect Biden have strong Irish roots themselves and both recognise the significant contribution the undocumented Irish make to US society.

"I hope that this issue can be prioritised and resolved in this upcoming term for the Biden administration. A solution would be to the benefit of Irish people both here at home and abroad in America," concluded Senator Gallagher.