A US Senate panel has given approval to a landmark bill offering a path to citizenship for millions.

It comes following weeks of marathon hearings and meetings to consider more than 200 amendments.

The bill needs 60 votes to pass the 100-seat Senate, and would then head to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, where its fate is uncertain.

The legislation would open the path for more than 11-million undocumented people - including around 50,000 Irish - to gain citizenship.

President Barack Obama has urged lawmakers to put partisanship aside in order to help it clear the Senate.