Fight for illegal Irish in US goes on, says Ahern
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern insisted efforts to secure citizenship for thousands of illegal Irish in America will continue despite it failing for a second time.
A landmark bill backed by President George W Bush did not get the support needed in the US Senate making it unlikely there will be a vote on the contentious issue later this year.
Twenty-five thousand undocumented Irish are living in the States and unable to travel home for fear of being refused re-entry.
But Mr Ahern insisted the Government would continue to press for a fair deal for them.
“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,” he said.
“The Government will continue to support our citizens in the United States who find themselves in this difficult situation
“This set-back will not diminish our determination to secure the fair deal for the undocumented Irish and their families.”
The bill’s supporters were 14 short of the 60 votes needed to clear the way for a further ballot.
It proposes tighter border controls but offers 12 million illegal immigrants a path to citizenship.
Mr Ahern praised President Bush and Senators for their efforts in trying to secure cross-party support for immigration reform.
And he noted comments by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham who said legislators could not wish away 12 million people and also remarks by Senator Ted Kennedy who addressed the Senate saying: “Will we vote on our fears or for the future?”
Mr Ahern has asked the Irish Ambassador in Washington to provide a full assessment of the campaign.
