Crowe meets civil society groups over immigration reform in Ireland and America

Sinn Féin Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Trade and Diaspora, Seán Crowe TD, met the Migrant Rights Centre Ireland (MRCI) and the Justice for the Undocumented Campaign to discuss immigration reform in Ireland and America.

Deputy Crowe said:

“I would like to thank the MRCI and the Justice for the Undocumented Campaign for briefing Oireachtas members today.

“There are strong parallels between the undocumented Irish immigrants in America and the undocumented immigrants in Ireland.

“Currently there are an estimated 30,000 migrants, including children and families, living undocumented in Ireland. Most have been in Ireland for several years and they play an integral role in our communities, working and paying tax. In fact it is estimated that they contribute to over €18 million annually to Irish economy in consumer spending.

“However these undocumented migrants are vulnerable to exploitation, cut from their families, and live in fear of being deported every day; just like the undocumented Irish in America.

“Irish people have long campaigned for immigration reform in America, which would create a legal pathway for the undocumented Irish to gain American citizenship, yet we don’t have a similar path in Ireland.

“Minister for Justice Alan Shatter received a pragmatic proposal from the MRCI 18 months ago, which would introduce an Earned Regularisation/Legislation scheme. This would allow undocumented migrants in Ireland a window of opportunity to come forward, pay a fine, receive temporary residency status, and potentially work their way towards earning permanent residency status.

“This is very similar to the legislation that Irish politicans have been pressing the American Government to introduce, which would allow the undocumented Irish the ability to access American citizenship.

“I am calling on Minister Shatter to implement legislation on this as soon as possible. This proposal is not only pragmatic, it is fair and an economically sensible action that will add credibility to the efforts of the Irish Government to regularise Irish citizens living undocumented in America.”