Local TD, deputy Brendan Smith has said there must be a renewed effort to solve the plight of the undocumented Irish in the US who are seeking permanent status.
The Cavan Monaghan TD raised the matter in the Dáil earlier this month during Taoiseach's Questions, highlighting that we need to secure legal pathways to visas and citizenship for Irish people who are working, paying their taxes and rearing their families in the US. Deputy Smith said despite their taking part in normal day-to-day activity in the US, the undocumented are not able to come home to Ireland if there is a family bereavement or celebration.
He acknowledged immigration reform in the US is difficult but he said consideration should be given to introducing an Irish-specific category of E-3 visa. Taoiseach Harris, in response, told Deputy Smith he would continue to keep the issue of the Undocumented Irish on the agenda. He said innovative work was being done in respect of the E-3 visas and that "trying to find a way forward is important".
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