Irish and US citizens should have freer movement between both countries, the Taoiseach said today.
The plight of the estimated 50,000 undocumented Irish in the US was raised by Brian Cowen when he met three senior US Senators in Dublin.
He held wide-ranging talks with the Capitol Hill delegation led by Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, Mississippi Senator Thad Newton and Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama.
The US Senate voted down immigration reform proposals last year and the issue is unlikely to become before politicians until after November’s presidential election.
Mr Cowen’s spokesman said: “While recognising the political difficulties attached to the issue of immigration reform in the US, the Taoiseach pressed for an approach that would allow greater movement of people in both directions between Ireland and America and could also provide a platform for a resolution of the plight of the undocumented.”
“The Senators agreed to stay in close touch with the Government on the issue.”
An intensive campaign on behalf of Irish immigrants had been fought by the Government and the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform in recent years.
Also discussed at today’s meeting was the potential of better trade between Ireland and the US amid the new era of peace and prosperity on the island.
Mr Cowen used the talks to set out his vision for investment in education, innovation and infrastructure and the development of the all-island economy as key elements for the future success of the Irish economy.
He also stressed the importance of a yes vote in the Lisbon Treaty referendum next month, his spokesman added.
PA