Crowe meets Bruce Morrison to discuss undocumented Irish and immigration reform

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Diaspora, Seán Crowe TD, met former American Congressman and long-time Irish-American lobbyist Bruce Morrison on Tuesday evening to discuss the situation of the illegal Irish in American and future immigration reform for Irish people.

Bruce Morrison was briefing an all-party joint Oireachtas meeting in Leinster House. The former Congressman has lobbied on immigration reform for decades, particularly focusing on Irish-American issues. He also played a very active role in the Irish peace process.

Speaking after the briefing Deputy Crowe said:

“I would like to thank Bruce for visiting Leinster House today and briefing this all-party meeting.

“Now that the American Presidential elections are over there are renewed prospects that legislation can be passed which will hopefully help legalise the status of immigrants in America who have overstayed their visa. Any legislation that is passed on this issue will of course benefit the many Irish people who are living in America illegally.

“There is also the issue of legislation which will reform immigration laws for Irish citizens who want to work and live in America in the future. Bruce spoke at length about how legislation for the so-called E-3 B Visa is progressing. The E-3 B Visa, if created, would make 10,500 two-year American work visas available to Irish citizens every year. The E-3 B Visa can also be renewed when they run out for a further two years and they can be renewed an unlimited amount of times.

“While at the briefing I suggested that we form an all-party joint Oireachtas group on Irish immigration reform in America. This group would work with Irish-American organisation to lobby the American Government on legalising illegal immigrants and the E-3 B Visa. This proposal was welcomed by other TDs and Senators at the meeting and we will work together to form the group as soon as possible.”