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The Irish government is studying possible new ways to secure greater legal access into the U.S. for Irish citizens even as it faces up to the reality that there is no immediate prospect of comprehensive immigration reform being passed by Congress in Washington.
That was the message imparted by tánaiste and minister for foreign affairs Eamon Gilmore during his visit to New York in which he met with Irish community leaders and immigration advocates and also delivered Ireland’s annual address to the opening of the United Nations General Assembly.
Gilmore, speaking to reporters in Ireland House on Park Avenue, said that his government was at all times aware of the plight of the undocumented Irish and this issue had been raised by himself and Taoiseach Enda Kenny with President Obama.
Gilmore said that discussions were still proceeding with a view to Ireland achieving a deal on so-called E3 renewable visas.
He also said that his government was studying “alternative approaches” and “new approaches” on the visa front and was in discussion with Irish diplomats in the U.S.
Asked to elaborate, Gilmore said he could not though he and the government were currently looking at “every possible variation.”
the ideas being explored, he said, were at an early stage.
During his New York visit, Gilmore met with representatives of the Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers to discuss the work of the member centers around the U.S., and the issues and concerns facing the Irish community
In a statement, the coalition said that immigration to the United States, the difficulties faced by the undocumented Irish, and the need for future flow from Ireland, had led to a “focused discussion.”
Gilmore additionally visited the Emerald Isle Immigration Center on Katonah Avenue in Woodlawn to celebrate the services the Center has given the community for almost 25 years.
He was greeted by EIIC chairman Brian O’Dwyer, board members, and executive director Siobhán Dennehy, who briefed the tánaiste on the immigration services, seniors program and the various social services provided by the center.
