The US Senate decision to fast-track new immigration measures is an important and positive step, the Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said tonight.
Senators approved measures which give illegal Irish immigrants a chance to gain eventual US citizenship.
Mr Ahern, who is on a lobbying visit to Washington, said Government officials will step up their efforts in coming weeks to ensure the House of Representatives adopts the legislation.
He said: "I warmly welcome today's decision by the US Senate to bring debate on the bill sponsored by Senators Chuck Hagel and Mel Martinez to a close, thus paving the way for its passage by the Senate within the next 24 hours.
"This is a very important and positive step and will be welcomed by the thousands of undocumented Irish in the US and their families in Ireland."
"Attempts will now be made to reconcile the Senate bill with the security bill passed by the House last December.
"The Government will intensify its lobbying efforts in the coming weeks to ensure a successful outcome."
During his visit, Mr Ahern met with Niall O'Dowd and Grant Lally of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform.
The Hagel/Matinez Bill aims to regularise the status of the undocumented and provide them with a path to permanent residency. The bill incorporates the key elements of Kennedy/McCain proposals.
Mr Ahern also held talks with the Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Arlen Specter, Senator John McCain, Senator Chuck Hagel, Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Pat Leahy and members of the House Friends of Ireland Group.
He also held lengthy discussions with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform
on future strategy.