The Immigrant Council of Ireland says the introduction of a modern and fair immigration system must be a priority for any new Government.
It says the current regime is unnecessarily complicated and that applicants face lengthy delays before they are reunited with their families.
The Council is calling for clear rules and guidelines to be introduced, together with an independent appeals process.
Catherine Cosgrave is Legal Services Manager of the Immigrant Council and says that the separation of immigrants from their families is particularly obvious on a day like today:
