Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2026
7. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the proposals, if any, under consideration in the United States concerning the need to provide a legal pathway for undocumented Irish emigrants in the United States, such as the inclusion of Ireland in the E-3 non-immigrant visa programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13404/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing the situation of undocumented Irish emigrants in the United States, and working to secure legal pathways for Irish people seeking to live and work in the US, will continues to be important for the Government, as set out in the Programme for Government. Efforts to advance these issues have been made with successive US administrations.
During my recent visit to Washington, I discussed immigration matters in my political meetings on Capitol Hill. This included U.S. immigration policy, its impact on Irish communities and the prospects for immigration reform which could assist, inter alia, undocumented Irish immigrants. It is clear to me from these conversations that the challenges faced by such proposals for reform should not be underestimated.
The Government remains supportive of efforts to secure an Irish specific E3 visa programme. This would open up a new legal pathway for more Irish citizens to live and work in the US. However, it is unlikely that undocumented Irish currently in the US would be eligible for such a programme, if secured.
The introduction in February 2025 of a bill seeking to add Ireland to the E3 non-immigrant visa program by Congressman Richard Neal and Congressman Mike Kelly, the bipartisan co-Chairs of the Friends of Ireland Caucus was a welcome development. However, it should be noted that almost every U.S. legislative proposal related to immigration reform has stalled in Congress, in the last decade. Nonetheless, we continue to take all opportunities to develop immigration pathways for Irish people who wish to live and work in the United States.
We will continue to provide funding to Irish community organisations, including those that provide trusted immigration information, legal resources and support for those seeking to regularise their immigration status. Some €4.5 million was provided to organisations in the U.S. last year.
