Kenny urges all-party support for US immigration bill

06/11/2007 - 5:32:26 PM

Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny tonight called for all-party support for a bilateral agreement on immigration between Ireland and the US.

Families of Irish people who live and work illegally in the United States today protested outside the Dáil before the Opposition motion is debated.

Fine Gael has proposed a reciprocal arrangement which would also benefit US citizens who want to work in Ireland.

The party’s community affairs spokesperson Michael Ring wants work permits for an estimated 25,000-50,000 illegal Irish emigrants in the US.

At today’s demo, families called on the Irish and US governments to pass legislation to regularise the status of thousands of undocumented workers who are unable to travel home.

Mr Ring said: “Fine Gael believes a bilateral agreement on immigration would encourage deeper economic and social ties between Ireland and the US and facilitate American citizens, including Irish Diaspora, who wish to live and work in Ireland.â€