WASHINGTON (REUTERS) - Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar defended undocumented Irish immigrants in the US during a visit with President Donald Trump at the White House on Thursday (March 15).

"I know that the Irish people who've made their lives here, including those who are undocumented and are living in the shadows, love this country dearly," Mr Varadkar said at a news conference. "They want to continue to contribute to the life of this great country."

At the end of the news conference, Mr Varadkar presented Mr Trump with a shamrock bowl.

Their meeting is two days before St Patrick's Day.