Thousands of undocumented Irish, living in America, are a step closer to gaining citizenship, after a group of US Senators agreed an historic deal aimed at dealing with millions of foreigners living in America illegally.

Under the radical proposals, illegal immigrants would be allowed to register with the Government, pay a fine, and then be given probationary legal status, allowing them to work.

The news is being hailed as a massive breakthrough and will have a major impact on the 50,000 illegal Irish immigrants, living in the US.

The legislation has yet to be written and it must still pass both the Senate and the House of Representatives.