Minister Ahern welcomes the introduction of an immigration bill in the US House of Representatives

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., has welcomed the introduction of a bipartisan immigration bill in the US House of Representatives.  The proposal, led by chief sponsors Representatives Gutierrez (D-Ill) and Flake (R-Ariz), provides for measures that would, if enacted, provide a route for the regularisation of the undocumented.

The Minister said:

“I greatly appreciate the determination of a bipartisan group in the House of Representatives to make positive progress on the sensitive issue of immigration reform.  The bill introduced yesterday by Representatives Gutierrez, Flake and others is a clear reflection of this commitment.

During our recent St Patrick’s Day visit to Washington, the Taoiseach and I raised our concerns regarding the welfare of the undocumented Irish in all of our meetings, including with President Bush, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Chairman of the key Senate Judiciary Committee, Senator Patrick Leahy, and other leading figures on Capitol Hill. We also had very detailed discussion on the way ahead with Senator Kennedy, whose strong leadership on this issue we deeply appreciate. 

Although the legislative situation is fluid and the final outcome uncertain, the introduction of the bipartisan bill in the House marks a significant advance in the debate.  In the critical period ahead, I will continue to attach the highest priority to our efforts on behalf of the undocumented Irish.  I know that my efforts on their behalf will be strongly complemented by the very effective work of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform.”

Note for Editors

The full title of the Gutierrez / Flake bill is Security Through Regularized Immigration and a Vibrant Economy Act of 2007, also known as the STRIVE Act