Changes to the US immigration system were welcomed in Ireland by the Government this morning.

Speaking about proposals by US president Barack Obama that would benefit thousands of illegal Irish immigrants living there, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said: "His powers as President are limited in some respects. He has indicated for quite some time that he would take executive action and he intends to lay out the conditions of that later today in Las Vegas.

“The point I made to the President in March amongst many others is that, from an Irish perspective, it is important that people would have the opportunity to come home during the course of the pathway to citizenship being developed.”

Strong opposition

The Taoiseach also commented on the strong opposition the president faces from Republicans: "Let us see where the details are. Clearly now the Republican Party now control the Congress and the Senate.

“They have got powers in both of those houses. When President Bush was in office there was a genuine attempt to do something serious about immigration but it didn’t work because of Republican elements in the southern states.

The Taoiseach also said that he hoped the president’s comments will ultimately help undocumented Irish come out of the shadows and that the move would be of benefit to both countries.

“The US realises that with so many millions of immigrants in the country you would be better to legitimise serious numbers of these so they can contribute to the American economy and have the freedom to work,” he said.

“I reminded the President and Congress in March that while the Irish are as brave as ever in the words of the national anthem, they have not been as free as we would like. I would hope that that might be dealt with in the detail of what the President announces.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan and the Minister for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan this morning also welcomed the announcements by president Obama.

The Ministers said they saw the President’s measures as a first step forward which should impact on the lives of many immigrants in the US for the better, pending more comprehensive solutions through legislative action by Congress.

Mr Flanagan had consulted on the issue recently with key US political figures such as vice-president Joe Biden, secretary of state John Kerry and the White House chief of staff.

Mr Flanagan said: “Today represents real progress, albeit with further important steps yet to be achieved. [The Government’s efforts] have been reflected in an outcome that should make a difference to thousands of our undocumented citizens there.

“At the same time, the Government will not become in any way complacent. Some will not benefit from these new arrangements and we will continue to make the case on their behalf.

“In terms of next steps, it is clear to me that on immigration reform, as President Obama himself has indicated, there is no substitute for legislative action by Congress,” the Minister said.

‘Difficult situations’

Speaking from Australia, Minister for the Diaspora Jimmy Deenihan said: “I visited the US during the last fortnight and I was able to engage directly with many of our undocumented and hear how difficult their situations currently are.

“Hopefully these measures will provide new hope for many of them and their families in their quest to regularise their status.

“There is more work to do, but the changes announced overnight represent a good start.”