Durbin Meets With Irish Deputy Prime Minister
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Micheál Martin to discuss U.S.-Irish relations, continued allied support for Ukraine, and the impact of Brexit on Northern Ireland. They also discussed Durbin’s legislation to add Ireland to the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program. The bill would allow Irish nationals annual access to any unused E-3 visas from the previous fiscal year. In exchange, Ireland intends to provide Americans expanded access to work visas in Ireland.
“Chicago is historically home to millions of Irish Americans that have enriched our communities,” said Durbin. “The United States and Ireland have long championed the ideals of liberty and freedom, which has allowed our nations to form an unshakeable bond. As I told Tánaiste Martin, it is my hope that we can work together to improve our immigration system and offer support to our allies across the pond as they continue to review and adjust their trade protocols following Brexit,” said Durbin.
A photo of the meeting is available here.
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