Clare TD seeks US amnesty for illegal Irish

The US government owes illegal Irish immigrants an amnesty because the Republic is making its airports available to American troops, the Independent Clare TD, Mr James Breen, told the Dáil.

"It is sad that our sons and daughters in the US cannot come here to visit," he added.

Mr Breen said the amnesty should be provided for immigrants who had lived and worked in the US for more than five years. He had lobbied congressmen from all sides on the issue when he visited Capitol Hill in June 2003.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mr Noel Treacy, said immigration controls and procedures were a highly sensitive issue in the US, particularly since September 11th. "We can anticipate a vigorous debate in the US Congress on any measures proposed to regularise the circumstances of undocumented people," he said.

"The House can be assured that the Ambassador and officials in the embassy in Washington monitor closely the debate on immigration reform. Initiatives in this regard have been made by President Bush and certain members of Congress.

"While some of these initiatives might offer undocumented Irish people the possibility of obtaining legal residency, none of them involves amnesties." Realistically, said Mr Treacy, it was unlikely there would be further concrete developments until the new year when the new teams were in place in the US administration and Congress.

"The Minister will continue to monitor closely the situation and will raise the issue with his contacts in the US administration and legislature," Mr Treacy added.

Mr Breen said those involved were in the US before September 11th. "A period of five years would not include those who were there when the last amnesty took place."

Mr Treacy said he appreciated Mr Breen's sincerity on the issue.

The matter had been raised during President Bush's visit this year and Mr Bush was very sympathetic, he said.