Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny today called for the formation of an all-island delegation to to support immigration reform in the United States.
He urged the Republic and Northern Ireland to unite on the issue after he met the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) in New York.
Mr Kenny will ask the Government to send an all-party, all-island delegation to support Irish Lobby Day later this month, when thousands of Irish gather in Washington to push for flexibility of immigration controls.
"The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the fate of the tens of thousands of undocumented Irish in the US," the Mayo TD said. "Attempts to reconcile the widely different Senate and House bills will have a huge bearing on the future lives of these people.
"I believe that the ILIR Lobby Day should be supported by a delegation of public representatives of all parties both North and South who should engage in direct, focused lobbying of members of Congress to highlight the huge contribution of Irish immigrants to the American economy and society."
The Fine Gael leader said he would convey his proposal to the Taoiseach "so an appropriate and effective delegation can be put together for the June 28th Lobby Day".