More than 20,000 Irish emigrants are returning home to settle in Ireland each year, according to Minister for Social and Family Affairs Seamus Brennan.
According to the latest statistics, almost 132,000 Irish people have returned to live in Ireland since 2001.
The Minister was speaking at the Emerald Isle Immigration Centre in New York where he unveiled a new edition of the Returning to Irelandguide published by Emigrant Advice.
Minister for Social and Family Affairs Seamus Brennan
Almost 14,000 immigrants moved to Ireland from the United States since 2000, and the vast majority of those were returning emigrants.
Emigrant Advice, is a project of Crosscare, the Dublin Diocese Social Care Agency, and has been working with migrants since 1987. Its guide includes information on topics such as social welfare, health, taxation, and accommodation.
Mr Brennan said he was also very aware of the concerns there are in New York and other areas of the United States over the number of undocumented Irish and the problems they are currently encountering.
"While it is difficult to estimate the numbers of undocumented Irish people, the essential problem of the undocumented population is not its size but rather the burden of stress which their uncertain status causes them and their families in Ireland," said Mr Brennan.
"I can assure all involved that this issue has the highest priority for the Irish Government and is also being constantly pursued at the highest diplomatic levels."