The Foreign Affairs Minister says Barack Obama's immigration reform plan is the "first step forward" for the undocumented Irish in America.
Charlie Flanagan says the plan, which could save 5 million immigrants from deportation, represents "real progress" and he hopes it wins the support of Congress.
The plan will allow undocumented migrants who have been living illegally in the US for five years and have children born in America, to apply for 3 year work permits.
President Obama's opponents have already hit out at the plan as the "act of a monarch".
But Minister Charlie Flanagan says he's hopeful it will have a real impact on the Irish in America.
