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The topic of the illegal Irish in American is expected to be raised during President Obama’s trip to Ireland next month.

Ireland’s Foreign Affairs Minister Eamon Gilmore, has revealed the prospect of a comprehensive reform bill  for the 50,000 undocumented Irish and millions of others illegal in the U.S. is unlikely, given the anti immigration climate.

Recent material from his department, released to the Irish Times under the Freedom of Information Act in Ireland reported that there was not likely to be “any significant developments” over the undocumented Irish living in the U.S., over the coming months.

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However, during his recent trip to New York, Gilmore told a group of Irish Immigration advocates: "I am here to listen".

He was advised by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform that  the E3 non immigrant visa, already granted to Australia, which allows immigrants to work for two year renewable periods, was the best option.

He promised to raise it with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and subsequently did so.

Speaking about the issue recently in the Irish parliament he reiterated his commitment.

“My department, and the Embassy in Washington in particular, will continue to work proactively on the issue with the US Administration, Congressional leaders and Irish immigration reform advocates,” he said.

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