Saying a sad farewell to America but longing to stay here

Good luck to you Eoin. My young Irish third cousin once removed Robin was able to find work in Ireland about two years ago now. Robin was an engineering honors grad from UCD, which no doubt helped him find a job in Ireland.

I don't believe the US is discriminating. Using the J-1 visa many can come to the States and gain experience. It is important to keep that opportunity open. You did know the rule when you applied and came to us. While it is very sad to look at Ireland's economic situation, I think we have every right to limit immigration as long as we apply it fairly to all countries. I don't think this is any different than the language requirement of the Connemara area. It is what it is... enjoy your US experience and use it to create a successful future.

faberm1, Absolutely right. When my husband and I were young, we realized we didn't like working for other people. I imagined a life in which we could work together and raise our children in our home-working enviroment. It took us many years to be able to be financially comfortable. We both worked extra jobs to keep the business. It isn't an easy choice, but it is easier now than ever. You can run a worldwide business, and you can pass it on to your children.

Eoin, as a native New Yorker, I felt how you related to my former home city. I have always been frustrated by the way my country seems to want to limit Irish people from coming here. I wish you good luck, and hope you are able to build a future where you want it to be Ellen

Go to Mexico first. Dye your hair. Walk across the border almost anywhere--our Border Patrol is on a tight leash by a federal government that doesn't know the definition of 'secure borders'.

Eoin, I am sorry you are not able to stay. I would encourage you to go back to Ireland and make a job for yourself. This article and others on IC are built on the premise that there is no opportunity in Ireland. Are there 3 million people on the dole in Ireland? Somebody somewhere must have a job and it might as well be you. I spend every summer in Ireland and I am amazed at all the educated young people like yourself who have no concept of creating your own business. There are things you can do on the internet, where you could still work for newspapers/media here in the states. I am not blaming you as I know very few people are born entrepreneurs, but don't discount doing something right there. The LOSS TO AMERICA stated over and over in these articles is a really a loss to Ireland. Ireland continues to birth, raise, educate and prepare people who just go away. Irish people have come to America for centuries and done well. There is NO REASON the same DNA can't or shouldn't do well at home. The Irish Government needs to move from the British Style European Socialism and lower tax rates, regulation and reward savers and earners. (That't the same thing that needs to be done in the USA). We are punishing success and it needs to stop. I wish I had about 3 hours to have coffee and discuss these things with you. I started three modest businesses and they were all successful and raised a wife and three kids. Good luck to you.

Before complaining that there aren't enough Irish Americans, please look at the Census stats recently published on IC in article on Scotch-Irish. There are many other ethnic groups with a smaller proportion. It is a disadvantage to be Caucasian in this country. Most businesses prefer to hire other races. And the Irish are just White here.

Safe travel Eoin! I wish I could have known you while you were here. Maybe you will be able to come back. And maybe, we will work here side by side. I, too, am unemployed but I am hopeful things will get better. Not just here in the States but everywhere.

The USA should be seeking skilled workers from throughout the world, but as Canada gives points to those who speak English and/or French, we should give preference to skilled English speakers. This, of course, would include most Irish and many Indians and Filipinos, as well as folks who learned English as a second language in school. I'm sorry we are losing Eoin Brennan. He's the kind of man I'd like to see immigrate here.

Irish shouldn't get preferential treatment but they should get equal treatment and we are not. The newest immigration bill leaves the Irish out unfairly. You now have an ambitious, educated, hardworking workforce willing to come here work. The Canadians and Australians are smart enoough to realize it. By the time the US figures it out the cream of the crop will be in Australia.

If he gets a really good tan, dies his hair black, starts speaking broken Spanglish , ignores U.S. immigration laws and promises to vote Democrat for a lifetime he will get a "free pass" immediately.

When you get home to Ireland be sure and ask for the free cheese. Don't eat it. Bung it in your ear holes. Ignorance is bliss like.

Eoin, I'm glad you enjoyed your time here and leave with a positive view of our country. Unfortunately, their are few jobs available here and many unemployed Americans.

In fairness, millions of people from countries far more impoverished than Ireland try to get into the US each year. Why should the Irish be given preferential treatment?