The Free Legal Advice Centre has launched a campaign calling on the Government to restore child benefit as a universal payment.
Under current laws, in order for children to qualify for the children's allowance, they must satisfy habitual residence conditions introduced in response to the enlargement of the EU in 2004.
Prior to that, the children's allowance was paid to every child living in Ireland, regardless of family income or immigration status.
According to the FLAC, the current situation shows that Government immigration policy takes priority over children's rights.
The organisation also claims the policy goes against international human rights law, and the Government's own policy on ending child poverty.
It claims it has evidence from its research that some children are lacking in basic clothing, food and services because they are not entitled to child benefit.
The organisation says up to 2,100 claims for children's allowance have been refused on the grounds of not meeting the new criteria. It estimates the full year cost of extending the benefit to all children at around €4 million.
The FLAC's campaign, which was launched in Dublin this morning, is being backed by a number of organisations, including ICTU, the Children's Rights Alliance, the Migrants Rights Centre and the Vincentian Refugee Centre.
A number of TDs and local councillors also attended the launch.
