The Government today allocated €34,000 in funding towards the campaign for immigration reform for Irish illegals in the US.
Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin also pressed US political leaders for support during a week-long visit to Washington and New York.
Announcing the funding for the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR), Mr Martin said: “I am determined to continue the Government’s strong commitment to finding a solution for this marginalised group of Irish citizens.
He added: “The allocation of further significant funding is a clear demonstration of this commitment”.
Mr Martin said ILIR has helped to mobilise Irish communities across the US and have made a lasting positive impression on some of the most powerful political figures in Washington.
“I look forward to working closely with them in the period ahead to deliver a solution,” he said.
The Government has given a total of 235,000 Us dollars in funding to the ILIR since 2006.
Mr Martin also urged US political leaders to put in place new arrangements to facilitate legal migration between Ireland and the US.
Earlier this week, the Irish and US governments signed the J Visa deal which will allow 20,000 Irish school leavers to live and work in the US for a year.
The Working Holiday Agreement will also allow up to 5,000 US citizens to work and live in Ireland for 12 months.
Mr Martin held talks on Capitol Hill with the chair of the Immigration Committee, Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren as well as Congressman Richie Neal of the Friends of Ireland group in Congress.