In the Celtic Tiger years it slowed to a trickle, but now in the bad times, emigration from Ireland is once again picking up rapidly.
That’s the word from Irish organizations like the Emerald Isle Immigration Center in Queens and the Aisling Irish Center in Yonkers.
“We have been noticing an increase for the past three years, but since this summer in particular through to September we’re getting a significant increase in the number of calls, emails and walk-ins to our center from recent arrivals,” Siobhan Dennehy, the executive director of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center in Woodside, told the Irish Voice.
Unlike in previous years, though, the new Irish arrivals are coming from every county (not just the most rural ones) and they represent all backgrounds, from construction workers to graduates with master’s degrees. And apart from their land of origin, the thing they all share in common is their desperation to find a job -- any job -- and build a life here.
“We’re seeing a resurgence of young families arriving in the Woodside and Woodlawn areas,” says Dennehy. “Some are coming back but many are arriving here for the first time.
“The second demographic trend we’re seeing is the arrival of young, recent graduates. They’re coming to a city in recession, but they’re still coming.”
The majority of those coming here, due to the stringent U.S. immigration laws, find themselves becoming undocumented after a period of 90 days.
“Beyond the 90 days their fate is sealed if they’ve overstayed immigration,“ says Dennehy. “But even in this climate the logic is clear for most immigrants -- it’s still better than being at home.”
Dennehy’s advice to new arrivals is to use the Emerald Isle Immigration Center for help. There may be an avenue to legal status that they don’t know about, she says.
“At least come in, get that individual counseling on immigration so that you’re armed in terms of what may be available,” she said.
“Don’t go on the word of someone else; see a professional at our office. And use our network on job referrals. The best advice is to use our networks. It’s not what you know, it’s who you know. It really does make a difference.”
In Yonkers, another Irish stronghold, the executive director of the Aisling Irish Community Center Orla Kelleher can see first hand that a new influx of Irish immigrants is arriving.
In comparison to two or three years ago there’s a lot of Irish people coming out here now, she says. The average age is 25 and most of them have a third level education, but most of them do not have a work visa.
“A lot of the new arrivals don’t qualify for the Irish graduate visa because they graduated from college in Ireland over 12 months ago. They might have a degree in psychology or marketing but they can’t find a U.S. employer to sponsor them,” she says.
If an employer has a choice between someone who has legal status or someone who needs to apply for a work visa, most employers are going to pick the easier route, she says.
“We’ve seen fathers who’ve left their families at home to come over here and work for a few months at a time. They make some money over a period and then return after three months or so.
“The question facing anyone coming here is, which is the lesser of two evils? To be sitting at home trying to figure out how to feed your kids next week -- or to be out here and earning enough money to support your family?
“It’s been so damaging to people who have been home on the dole (social welfare assistance) for the past year or two. It’s been absolutely soul destroying for a lot of people.”
Kelleher admits the Aisling Center has seen a spike in relationship issues where there’s stress on couples in terms of finances.
“For people for living here this country is suffering under the recession too. Domestic abuse is on the increase as family relationships are suffering,” she says.
In Yonkers the recession has also seen a spike in crime and random assaults, with burglary becoming increasingly frequent. There’s no question that times are tough for both the documented and the undocumented.
“We can’t really encourage someone who doesn’t have legal status to come out here. They should investigate other options first,” Kelleher says.
“Right now we’re anticipating that most intending immigrants in Ireland will hold off making their decision until after Christmas now. A lot like to stay for Christmas.
“We’ve brought out a moving to New York guide on our website because we’re answering so many queries every week. It provides answers to people who are emigrating before they leave so they’ll know what to expect.”
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.bastardluv | Dec 10, 2010, 09:05 PM EST
Can anyone tell me why it's so easy for the Irish to come over to the U.S.? as opposed to someone from another country. thanks
jimmy12003 | Dec 05, 2010, 05:48 PM EST
rhunter67! so i sound like a fool! fuc-king ars-ehole!
IrishEddy | Dec 04, 2010, 06:37 PM EST
There goes the neighborhood j/k my fellow Irish folk
sweetspirit68 | Dec 03, 2010, 09:41 PM EST
I would also like to add...where would this country be at now if our people didn't stand up and fight for Independence of this country? We put up with alot of racism in the past and our woman being raped by the now ruling government of Ireland....starvation..you name it...it happened. Obama has made the month of March,"Irish Heritage Month." It took until 2010 for something like this to happen. So, all the haters who think the Irish should remain in Ireland, just remember who fought for our freedoms...this country was meant for Immigration. I don't agree with many things that are happening in America such as Immigrants coming here and milking our system. Draining our economy should not be tolerated. Our forefathers who arrived in this country didn't get a free ride. So, my opinion is that whoever steps foot into this country better be like the rest and pay taxes, etc. No free rides.
justhimself | Dec 03, 2010, 04:49 PM EST
To CitizenWhy, Maybe the wild geese were the start of our emigrating heritage, I emigrated 45yrs ago, Ireland had little opportunity for a man to earn a living wage to buy a home, marry raise a family, some of my school came to America, but the majority went to England and did well. Irelands safety valve for economic failure was and is emigration. If after independance no one emigrated and all stayed home with loads of children, there would have been mass starvation, loads of mouths to feed no jobs, no money, scarce food. The global system is the only way, it gave us the Celtic Tiger, but no STATESMEN WERE ELECTED TO LEAD OUR COUNTRY, I hope the next generation of voters will learn from the mistakes made, and reform the goverment.
sweetspirit68 | Dec 03, 2010, 04:37 PM EST
I think the first time coming into the United States was tough enough for our Irish Ancestors. Don't forget that two thirds of the military were Irish men who finally received the respect they deserved during the war. To have a sour attitude upon their return to this beautiful country is like repeating history. The entire world is facing financial crisis. Maybe if people would take a stand and fight such as France...things may turn around for us. This country is not poor...it is what's going on in the Whitehouse that has put us where we are at now. This is just a small portion of my opinion.
CitizenWhy | Dec 03, 2010, 03:53 PM EST
Was it for this the wild geese spread/ The grey wing upon every tide;/ For this that all that blood was shed,/ For this Edward Fitzgerald died,/And Robert Emmet and Wolfe Tone,/ All that delirium of the brave?/ Romantic Ireland’s dead and gone,/ It’s with Collins in the grave. ... Adapted from Yeats ... The "this" is enslavement top foreign bankers and their luxuries.
bmulletmayo | Dec 03, 2010, 02:06 PM EST
No thanks,- our immigration idiot quota is full- try back in ten years.
seamusmoore | Dec 03, 2010, 10:55 AM EST
ochshane You are spot on about the "Lion of the Senate". The Irish had favored immigration status until the Clown Prince of Irish America led the charge to change that with the Immigration Act 1965.
GeorgeDillon | Dec 03, 2010, 05:48 AM EST
seagreen: You're absolutely right, and it bears repeating. US citizens trying to get a working visa in Ireland have an even worse chance than do irish citizens trying to work in the US. And even once they get a visa, they're treated like garbage. For example, they have to sign on several times a year at the police station, like they are criminals. Until this improves, I say NO to Irish Illegal Aliens in the US!
seagreen | Dec 03, 2010, 03:26 AM EST
To S7 McCabe My grandmother was born in Clonmel, My son has finished three years at Michigan State Univ. and is taking courses toward his degree,because of finances. He manages a YMCA , and makes $8.00 an hour ( there were 34 applicants for the job)Irish illegals are making $16 and $18 an hour in the construction trades, because they are playing the Irish card with Irish /American employers. If you are an American, try finding a job in Ireland, you will get a rude awakening! its a one way deal. You are talking out of two sides of your mouth. Talking about capitalism in the US, but yearning for the socialist medicine of Ireland. What is it going to be ?
S7McCabe | Dec 02, 2010, 10:22 PM EST
STAY PUT! It isn't any better here with an unemployment rate higher than I can ever remember in my 69 years. I don't understand one thing. I thought we had an agreement with Ireland for dual citizenship. For instance, my Grandmother was born in County Monaghan and because of that I can be a citizen of both Countries. Why aren't we letting the Irish in? It must be that Obama has us 13 trillion in debt and we can't afford any more food stamps. That may be it but I know for sure the Irish are hard working. My Mike and Patrick were both garbage men as they worked their way through College. The schools of nursing aren't accepting many students. Thanks to Obama care, the hospitals won't need them. I would LOVE to live in Ireland but your rent and real estate are so high, I couldn't affored it. It is much lower here. You have the same problems we have and there is going to be no quick fix but I will let you know that Obama won't be President in 24 months. Then we will leave socialism and go back to capitalism and have jobs. Then come over for a visit. Don't move here. I would trade places with you in a heart beat.
Seamusdhu | Dec 02, 2010, 09:28 PM EST
Good point wounded knee why are they let in so easy and Mexicans made to feel like crap because their dark skinned. Illegal aliens are illegals even if they are blonde blue eyed Nordic types.
lostgold | Dec 02, 2010, 07:12 PM EST
No wounded knee Ireland is not gaining anything at all when their own ethnic group must immigrate and foreign nationals arrive to take their place and leave their progeny in Ireland.It means the Irish people are dying out. They are not gaining anything when Irish millionaires encourage their own people to immigrate. All they are doing is removing more steam from the kettle so there will not be a genuine revolution in Ireland and get rid of the rich swine who cooperate in the destruction of their own people. Agree with mopickelly that illegal is illegal whether Irish, Mexican or anything else. How come Irish immigrate so heavily in tough times and Icelanders don't.They have quite recently had a massive bank failure there. However Iceland loves its people and teaches them to think. Blood samples of Irish ,Scotch and Icelanders are very similar in percentage of blood types. Queen Aud and her court immigrated from Dublin to Iceland during the time of Norse controlled Dublin. It would be very good for Ireland to get away from that Italian.Irish Catholic immigrant mentality. It stinks like unwashed sweaty socks. Lets have a real Gaelic Ireland in the north Atlantic not the east side of New York in 1912.
WoundedKnee | Dec 02, 2010, 03:52 PM EST
The caption for the picture above says: "Dublin Airport - Emigrants from all over Ireland are heading to the U.S." It could also read: "Dublin Airport - Immigrants from all over the world are heading into Ireland." You lose one, you win one!
eileenleddy | Dec 02, 2010, 11:08 AM EST
Are they looking electricians in America? I have a 30 year old son who is a qualified electrician who is out of a job here and mad to get working.
Weezie | Dec 02, 2010, 08:48 AM EST
There is work to be had here. Many eating establishments are looking for help. They need people in management and also food handlers. bankers need help in their establishments. Many jobs in ranching and farming has been taken by the Mexicans crossing our border. It mostly depends on the kind of work you are seeking. Many americans are now doing the Ancestry DNA profile;searching for their relatives that were left in Ireland hundreds of years ago. Perhaps you could join your group and maybe find a relative that would help sponsor you.Or at least offer you a place to stay for a time?
seagreen | Dec 02, 2010, 08:44 AM EST
It is understandable that people will make a move to improve their status,sensible people will do that! Hopefully the new wave of Irish that arrive on Aer Lingus or Delta will have more respect for those that arrived steerage on a ship many years ago, as opposed to the crowd that showed up in the eighty's with an education, and luggage with wheels.....
Lorcan1916 | Dec 02, 2010, 03:29 AM EST
Dublinjas compared to America the Irish health service is a hell of alot better even after the recent changes made by Harney and her fellow party goons . I suggest you do a little more of a read up on this or better still you should watch the documentary sicko by Michael Moore so that you might understand it better and then maybe your comments here on IC might be interesting to read instead of utter garbage eh ....
olovely | Dec 02, 2010, 01:24 AM EST
Not every Irish American is a heartbreaking pull up the ladder because I've Got Mine tool. The majority of Americans are actually fair minded and compassionate and they welcome the Irish influx, because they know it's not easy for them to come here (their parents taught them that). We haven't all forgotten.
nosoupforU | Dec 01, 2010, 10:38 PM EST
This is for Irishoneman: I got news for you Jack!! The USA has been a country/nation since 1776. Ireland has been a half assed state since 1916 or 1919 or 1922 or 1949. Tak your pick and that does not include Northern Ireland. Don't feel too bad, most of the countries in Europe haven't been around even that long. P.S. I was born and raised in Galway but I won't sit still while some jerk bad mouths my adopted country. I have vented and I feel good!!
Dublinjas | Dec 01, 2010, 08:45 PM EST
Lorcan1916 You're Right lad the Health care system in the States is terrible..Not like the wonderful Irish Health care Service, Maybe the US. needs Mary Harney to help out and since she is soon likely to be out of a job, and only because she done such a good job that Her work here is done,maybe we could freight her out there. And if anyone could use a used Taoiseach (Hardly ever used) doesn't drink excessively and eats hardly anything is very honest and truthful and is great with figures (That's the numerical ones) and he has a reference (From an M.Harney) and a first communion certificate.
seanskelligs | Dec 01, 2010, 07:59 PM EST
While this is a desperate fact of life we will get out of this mess. What is really pissing people off in Ireland is the exorbitant wages, expenses and pensions the politicians pay themselves-if these were reduced by 50% they would still be very well paid and would get the country behind them. Ireland is a vibrant country well capable of working our way out of this despite our incompetent government-we will succeed despite them and then welcome back our emigrants.
irish777 | Dec 01, 2010, 06:15 PM EST
My Grandfather came from Northern Ireland to America. I grew up in the Irish Channel in New Orleans,Louisiana. I am proud to have lived among so many Irish men and women.It was a hard life but a good one. I believe and cherish my heritage. I am glad to welcome into this country these smart Irishmen and women. I do believe that these new immigrants will do it legally and that is the right way. MarionAnne McGraw
rhunter67 | Dec 01, 2010, 06:10 PM EST
Jimmy12003-that is a ridiculous comment and you made yourself sound like a fool. Mopickelly-'illegal is illegal?'Show some sympathy and stop sounding like an upper-class WASP
jimmy12003 | Dec 01, 2010, 05:07 PM EST
its a shame that america wouldnt just take ireland over as an extra state! we could do so much for each other!
mopickelly | Dec 01, 2010, 05:05 PM EST
Illegal is illegal, regardless of which country the aliens are from It does not make a difference if the illegal aliens jump a fence, swim a river or overstay a visa. They are equally illegal.
DanOLoingsigh | Dec 01, 2010, 03:54 PM EST
Funny how the same words mean different things on the other side of the pond, for example South of the Border and New Irish in the JimmyJK post. Interesting that some Irish Americans happy to see their countries immigration laws flouted, so long as the law breakers have a genetic connection and are not from their neighbouring countries. What about all those stories of the last wave of Irish ‘overstayers’ being unable to go home to attend parents funerals for fear of not being allowed back in?
FastEddy | Dec 01, 2010, 03:29 PM EST
" ... alot of job opportunities between NYC and Philadelphia and a better quality of life ..." Yes, anyone who is willing to do real work is welcome to apply. Same, same in Texas and throughout the middle west. Not so much in the far west. Besides the higher tax rates in the west (quality of life), there is the plethora of other "out of towners" and illegals waiting in line for fewer and fewer jobs. Best high dollar opportunities: banking and finance (replacing the greedheads and screwups), engineering (200 new nuke power plants in China being designed by US and French based companies), high tech (local college graduates can't do anything but teach ".. been dumbed down so long it looks like up to me"), new business startups (the natives are asleep at the wheel here) ...
JimmyJK | Dec 01, 2010, 02:20 PM EST
If your in the NYC area come to New Jersey....alot of job opportunities between NYC and Philadelphia and a better quality of life. There are large Irish American populations in NJ and PA that would welcome the new Irish. There are so many illegals from South of the border in New Jersey that enforcement of status is a total non issue.
ancavker | Dec 01, 2010, 02:19 PM EST
They should stay home,and try and fix the mess over there. Running here again, while we have our own economic problems;it makes no sense. In addition the Irish-Americna community won't forget how ungrateful amny of the crowd that came over in the 80's were.
sweetspirit68 | Dec 01, 2010, 01:52 PM EST
Speak for yourself Wounded Knee...I come from a long line of very strong and sober Irish Ancestors. To insult all of us is uncalled for.
Bonitaslevin | Dec 01, 2010, 01:49 PM EST
So sorry to hear the the Irish have to immigrate to the US again. They are not in the greatest shap right now either. Come to Canada, lots of owrk out in the Western provinces for you.The love the Irish here.
diannerae | Dec 01, 2010, 01:14 PM EST
I think they're making a mistake.
WoundedKnee | Dec 01, 2010, 12:59 PM EST
manhattan: "the illegal's that are here and work for peanuts". It's the same situation in Ireland, in fact part of the huge scam that has been perpetrated on the Irish during the past five or ten years is the wholesale and unregulated importation of foreign workers. Chalk that one down to Fianna Fail too. Having said that, I gotta say that the Irish just lie down and take everything. They only fight when they're drunk, when they're sober they're sheep.
WoundedKnee | Dec 01, 2010, 12:54 PM EST
I'm sorry to hear this. But I thought US Immigration was really tough--how come they are being let in?
Nicomax | Dec 01, 2010, 12:31 PM EST
We are likely to be more diligent this time around in checking to see if irish immigrants have papers allowing them to stay. Of course, since they look a lot different than those sneaking across our southern borders, and their slight accent is actually rather pleasant, we may not press them too much, even in Arizona.
Madeleine | Dec 01, 2010, 11:39 AM EST
I live in the USA and I agree, its no t what it once was, we have no work either, our health care is still fine but in a year or two that will change . There just isn't any work or an affordable place ot live while you are looking . America is under the same world take over that Europe is going through, most of us are thinking of leaving here too but there is nowhere to run. We Americans are not saying this is the greatest place in the world, it isn't , we have troubles too.We are always sad when we hear of yours.
manhattan | Dec 01, 2010, 11:10 AM EST
The Irish that immigrated to America through the centuries were always great workers, would never ask for charity (too proud) were the first who strove for decent wages and the reform of child labor. The clergy educated us, hospitals and orphanages were started by the Catholic church etc. We always took care of our own because no one else would. But sadly our economy is horrific, our kids can't get jobs . If the Irish come here for jobs they will find that impossible unless they compete with the illegal's that are here and work for peanuts. Example: my son works in a catering buisness in New York City, because the spanish illegals(oops not allowed to call it as it is) will work for less an hour my son's wages have been reduced. I know it is hard but I would advise the young Irish to wait it out until things improve.
Jamaicelt | Dec 01, 2010, 10:51 AM EST
@irishoneman Considering I come from Kildare, I, too, would like to think that I know my country. So I guess, in your eyes, I just insulted myself.
irishoneman | Dec 01, 2010, 10:34 AM EST
Jamaicelt, i believe that USA is not as good as it seems as a fellow citizen, but as far as us Irishmen leaving "just too damn fast," i must say that your american country hasn't been around and civilized near as long as our land of Ireland. We know our country and we know it well. We know when to leave and prospect better opportunities and when to come back home. Why you think the legend of the pot of gold still exists, because we are well versed that to make something of yourself, you have to work really hard. That is why we are so stubborn. If you wish to insult a person, or in this case, a whole Céilí Mór country, you better do some research that is from a reputable source.
ochshane | Dec 01, 2010, 10:32 AM EST
Can't stop thinking of the late Lion of the Senate's part in all of this.
Yerffac | Dec 01, 2010, 10:31 AM EST
All we need--I hope the government is as strict with the Irish undocumented visitors as they are with our brothers south of the border--doubt it though--white goes a long way in these United States of America.
irishoneman | Dec 01, 2010, 10:26 AM EST
I think that it is sad for me as an Irishman to see my country having to immigrate yet again. I just don't like to see my country, a country that is known for our "good luck" (n-éirí leat)and Gaeilge bródúil (Irish pride), to have quiet the opposite. It is just a depressing thing to me.
KingMike2002 | Dec 01, 2010, 09:49 AM EST
Well I'm an American of Irish descent. I exercise, eat right, don't smoke,,,I do drink a bit. I don't need no health care right now, I'm only 59 years old. When I need health care, I figure around age 70, I'll qualify for Medicare. So, if your healthy, smart, and good lookin', come to Colorado. The healthiest state in these here United States.
judiron | Dec 01, 2010, 09:46 AM EST
Just keep coming, our country is broke but that's OK, we'll support you, give you free medical care, and when this country fails you can blame us for all your problems, stay home and make Ireland a better place.
Jamaicelt | Dec 01, 2010, 09:46 AM EST
The Irish are just too damn fast to bail out on their country. It has always been a problem. The US is not as great a prospect as it makes itself believe it is.
boomerbob | Dec 01, 2010, 09:31 AM EST
You're right Lorcan - the health care system here is for the rich. A vast majority of U.S. citizens can no longer afford health care and Obama sold us out to the insurance industry in his so called "health care plan." The U.S. was also just informed that there would be no extension of benefits for the millions of jobless, so the situation here is pretty dire too. As much as I would love to see fellow Irishmen here, I think the Irish are hoping against some very stiff odds that their lives will be better here.
Lorcan1916 | Dec 01, 2010, 08:58 AM EST
Il not boder me arse without a visa , too much to risk getting caught and plus the health service over there is terrible for you citizens so imagine what it would be like for a would be wetback like me eh ..