A local Senator has called on the government to take advantage of the "strong Irish-American influence" when it comes to what he calls "the plight of undocumented Irish people living in America".
Robbie Gallagher says some undocumented Irish in America are "constantly looking over their shoulder", and these fears of deportation limit the use of social services, access to the legal system, and full integration into local communities.
Senator Gallagher also noted that Irish people have played a big role in building American infrastructure.
Given the Irish ancestry of US President Joe Biden, Robbie Gallagher says the government now "has a unique opportunity to put this issue to bed for once and for all".
Speaking on The Wider View, the local Senator said the upcoming St Patrick's Day trip offers Micheál Martin a perfect opportunity to "get a result on this":
