Families of illegal immigrants in the US were today told the Government supported their efforts to be free to travel home without fear of being denied re-entry.
At a mass rally in Dublin, Foreign Affairs Minister Dermot Ahern said he had a duty to do everything possible to alleviate the vulnerable position in which the undocumented find themselves.
Organised by the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR), relatives also called on the US government to pass legislation to regularise the status of thousands of undocumented workers who are unable to travel home.
Mr Ahern said: "Our increasing prosperity is a phenomenon that all Irish people should take pride in. However, we should never forget the trauma of those who were forced to emigrate in less fortunate times or neglect those who remain in need today.
"Our new prosperity at home brings new responsibilities towards our communities abroad, particularly those who feel marginalised and isolated. The undocumented Irish in the United States are one such group."
Mr Ahern said while the undocumented were committed to building their lives in America, they also longed to have the opportunity to visit Ireland without fear of being denied re-entry.
"I am deeply conscious of how traumatic it is for an undocumented person to learn of a serious illness or death of a loved one in Ireland and be unable to visit the hospital or attend the funeral," he said.
"The awful pain of separation is particularly acute at such times."
Mr Ahern, who yesterday announced an additional €37,000 funding for the ILIR, and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern have repeatedly raised the issue with US politicians, including at last month's St Patrick's Day events in Washington.
The Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants, which is also supporting the rally in Jurys Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin, called for the undocumented to be given the respect and dignity afforded to citizens.
The North's incoming Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, also praised the efforts of the ILIR and pledged Sinn Fein's full support to its campaign.
"Regardless of people's politics, the issue of undocumented Irish in America and all the hardships that go with such status has to be resolved in a humane manner," said Mr McGuinness.
"We must remember that the undocumented Irish work very hard and make a powerful contribution to American social life and the economy. It is now time for them to be granted citizenship."