Govt seeks Dáil backing for US immigration reforms
29/09/2005 - 12:20:00The Government has introduced a Dáil motion backing proposed US legislation that would legalise the status of undocumented immigrants in the United States.
The bill, drawn up by Senators John McCain and Ted Kennedy, would allow undocumented workers to apply for temporary visas if they have no criminal backgrounds and pay a $2,000 fine.
After six years, they and their families could apply for permanent residency, while after another five years, they could seek full citizenship.
Thousands of Irish people are believed to be among the estimated 10-12 million illegal immigrants currently living and working in the United States.
Since September 11th 2001, improved US security has meant that they risk being barred from the United States any time they return home to Ireland.
