The plight of over 50 thousand undocumented Irish living in the US is being raised by the Tanaiste, during a series of meetings over the next two days in Washington.

Eamon Gilmore will also discuss the establishment of a visa regime for future legal migration between Ireland and the US as part of a package of reforms.

The Tánaiste will meet with several influential Republicans and Democrats on Capitol Hill, including former Vice-Presidential candidate Congressman Paul Ryan, to push for reform of the American immigration system.

Speaking ahead of his departure, the Tánaiste said:

 “We are focussed on trying to end the great hardship and uncertainty faced by undocumented Irish people living in the US, and by their families at home in Ireland.  

 Securing overall agreement on US immigration reform will continue to be a complex and difficult process, but I am here to make sure that the Irish dimension to this debate is kept to the fore.”

 Last year the US Senate approved a comprehensive immigration reform bill which would allow for a so-called “path to citizenship” for the almost 12 million undocumented migrants living in the States.

The Tanaiste will also discuss the political talks in Northern Ireland with members of Congress and with Richard Haass.