Minister Ahern welcomes President Bush’s statement on immigration reform
Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., the Minister for Foreign Affairs, commenting on President Bush's statement last night on immigration reform said:
“I warmly welcome President Bush's significant remarks last night in support of comprehensive immigration reform. In particular, I welcome his view that most of those who are currently undocumented should be able to apply for citizenship, once qualifying conditions are met. I recognise fully the complexity and sensitivity of this issue and I deeply appreciate the President's call for concerted efforts to work towards a rational middle ground.
The President's statement follows closely on the bipartisan agreement announced in the Senate last week on how to proceed. It is very important that we maintain momentum at this critical period in the legislative process.
Earlier this week in Dundalk, I had a very valuable opportunity to share my assessment of the current situation with Grant Lally, President of the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR). ILIR are most effective in giving expression to the views of many members of our community in the US on the debate on immigration reform. I was particularly pleased to inform Grant Lally of my decision to provide a further US$50,000 to support their important work.”
ENDS +++
16 May 2006
Press Office
