A new package for immigration reform in the US has been described by an Irish lobbying group as a step in the right direction for the thousands of undocumented Irish living there.
An agreement between the White House and a bi-partisan group of senators was announced last night on Capitol Hill following a month of intensive negotiations.
The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform welcomed the agreement.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern said he was very optimistic that an end was in sight for the plight of the 30,000 undocumented Irish in the US.
The proposed legislation, which would have to pass both Houses of Congress, would allow for all illegal immigrants in the US to obtain a probationary document and apply for a temporary work permit for up to eight years.
However, they would have to return to their home countries to apply for a Green Card.
