Campaigners on behalf of undocumented Irish immigrants in the United States are pressing for a special immigration deal for Ireland after the Senate rejected a comprehensive reform Bill that would have legalised 12 million illegal immigrants, writes Denis Stauntonin Washington.
Yesterday's vote, which saw backers of reform fall 14 votes short of the 60 they needed to proceed with the Bill, almost certainly spelt the end of comprehensive immigration reform until after the 2008 presidential and congressional elections.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern expressed "deep disappointment" but insisted he was determined to secure "a fair deal" for undocumented Irish immigrants.
"The Government is fully committed to responding to the concerns of the undocumented Irish and will continue to take every opportunity to convey to US political leaders the urgent need to address this major issue, which impacts directly on many families in Ireland. The Government will continue to support our citizens in the United States who find themselves in this difficult situation," he said.
Niall O'Dowd, chairman of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform said he had already discussed with Mr Ahern the possibility of seeking a special deal for Irish immigrants.
"In some ways it's easier because you're not trying to deal with an overwhelming reality for Americans. You're talking about a much smaller number of people," he said.
Yesterday's defeat represents a humiliation for president George Bush, who invested much of his political authority in seeking to persuade Republicans to support the reform Bill. In the end, however, a vigorous campaign amplified by talk radio hosts throughout the US persuaded most Republicans that the Bill was too unpopular.
"The American people understand the status quo is unacceptable when it comes to our immigration laws. A lot of us worked hard to see if we could find common ground - it didn't work," Mr Bush said.
Twelve Republicans, 33 Democrats and one Independent voted in favour of yesterday's crucial procedural motion, while 37 Republicans, 15 Democrats and one Independent voted "no."
Senator Edward Kennedy, one of the main architects of the Bill, said its defeat would serve to increase illegal immigration, make America less secure and allow sweatshops and exploitation to continue.