The Democratic Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, has given a commitment to introduce bi-partisan, comprehensive immigration reform this year.
Ms Pelosi was speaking at the American Ireland Fund Dinner in Washington last night, which was also attended by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.
A new push on immigration reform is going through a difficult time in the US Congress with disagreement on some aspects of a planned bi-partisan bill in the Senate.
In a speech last night, Mr Ahern made a plea on behalf of the estimated 30,000 undocumented Irish in the US.
The Taoiseach said he was 'not arguing the case for citizenship' but wanted to ensure they had freedom to travel and work.
He also pledged an endowment of €10 million to the American Ireland Fund over the next five years.
Ms Pelosi, who was honoured at last night's event, gave Mr Ahern her commitment that she would work towards introducing bi-partisan, comprehensive immigration reform this year.
