Denis Naughten raised the issue of the undocumented Irish in the United Sates with the Tánaiste & Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore this week following comments on the issue by President Obama and US Senators.

He pointed out to the Tánaiste that a twin track approach needs to be taken by US authorities to secure their external borders, in tandem with providing a pathway to citizenship for those who are undocumented in the US rather than closing down borders first and only then dealing with the issue of the undocumented.

He also called on the Tánaiste not only to push plans for US immigration reform but to also push for a work visa to allow those who wish to move to the States to work to do so legally and avoid falling into the trap of becoming undocumented.

Responding, the Tánaiste pointed out that both he and the Taoiseach will be engaging in discussions during their forthcoming trips to the US for St. Patrick’s Day and that in the interim he is making direct contact with a number of US Senators by phone.