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White House meets Irish lobby to discuss new visa bill for Ireland

Irish lobby calls on community to reach out to Republican senators for support

By
KATE HICKEY,
IrishCentral Editor
Published Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 7:12 AM
Updated Wednesday, January 25, 2012, 7:12 AM

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The Irish Lobby met at the White House with representatives from the president’s Domestic Policy Council, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security
The Irish Lobby met at the White House with representatives from the president’s Domestic Policy Council, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security
Photo by Google Images


The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (ILIR) met at the White House last week with representatives from the president’s Domestic Policy Council, the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security at to discuss support for the Irish E-3 visa bill which has been proposed in the Senate by New York Senator Charles Schumer.

Along with representatives from ILIR, present at the White House meeting were Felicia Escobar from the Domestic Policy Council, David Doherty from the State Department and Kelly Ryan from the Department of Homeland Security.

ILIR chairman Bart Murphy and president Ciaran Staunton were also present.

Former Congressman Bruce Morrison, author of the Morrison visa program in the 1990s and currently a lobbyist for ILIR, said three specific topics were discussed at the meeting.

Firstly, a statement of support for the Irish E3 visa bill from the White House is being sought given that the Obama administration has supported a recent bill that would allow other ethnic groups, most notably Chinese, Hispanic and Indians, to receive extra green cards.

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The E3 would allow up to ten thousand Irish a year to come here legally and work for two years on a non immigrant visa. The two year visa could be extended indefinitely.

Also discussed at the meeting was the issue of visa waivers should Schumer’s E-3 visa bill, or a version of it, become law. Schumer’s proposal would allow for the undocumented in the U.S. to apply for the visas, but they would need a waiver in order to be exempt from a three or 10-year bar from the U.S. which all undocumented face when they leave the country and attempt to re-enter.

Lastly, meeting participants discussed the rules which apply to deportation and called on all people, with or without a waiver, to be subject to the same right of review.

Morrison used the example of an Irish  businessman in New York who was recently incarcerated and was going to be deported. Because he had overstayed his visa he was not entitled to go before a judge to have his case reviewed.

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11 Comments

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Mickwall | Jan 26, 2012, 10:43 AM EST
I am not disagreeing - you are right for what you have done in your business. But it is not the only way and I know many who started with a few thousand and are great success stories. It is nothing to do with doing good deeds as I am suggesting a business like approach to attracting immigrants who can create jobs. This is what you and I want. Why object to immigrants cutting unemployment?

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joycean | Jan 26, 2012, 08:29 AM EST
Hi Mick, My husband and I run a small business; perhaps you do too. Actually, most small businesses run into trouble because they don't have sufficient capital. I'd say, $500,000 would be about minimal for what it would take to start up a business like ours: including professional education, equipment, leasehold improvements, and and enough money to meet immediate expenses. But, of course, not all businesses are that expensive. At the present time, I think America needs to work on cutting unemployment, rather than doing good deeds for citizens of other countries, but I accept your right to disagree.

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Nelsonbarry | Jan 25, 2012, 09:23 PM EST
If this was about Obamas aunt or uncle everything would already be done.

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Mickwall | Jan 25, 2012, 05:15 PM EST
The E-3 visas program can create jobs as Irish immigrants have historically started businesses that employed people. Also, what I am suggesting can create jobs. But there is a big point. Re: My previous point: "Make it a realistic investment for regular people and we will soon see the results." I draw emphasis to the word "realistic" and an investment of $500,000 (or similar substantial sum under current rules) is not realistic for the average person. Businesses can be created for far less - just a few thousand in many instances - and these businesses can create many jobs. Talented immigrants would get much help, from the Irish American community, in starting businesses. Historically the Irish have done this and history can be repeated.

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joycean | Jan 25, 2012, 04:52 PM EST
Mickwall, The United States has a separate visa program for entreprenuers: people who have at least $500,000 to invest, including using about half of that for a home. The investment visa is similar to one offered by Canada. In December 2011, Congress passed an amended form of the previous general visa program that favors highly qualified immigrants from India and China and family members of current US residents from Mexica and the Phillipines, with no special provision for Irish. What O'Dowd and these lobbiests want is a separate visa which would allow currently illegal Irish residents to apply for visas without the currently require ban of 3-10 years. I object to this because our current unemployment rate is too high.

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Mickwall | Jan 25, 2012, 03:30 PM EST
The point has been well made that Irish people are not looking for special breaks but just equality with others. What's so special about the Irish? Well historically they have been leading entrepreneurs in the USA who came here and created many jobs. Surely we need that right now. What about visas for those willing to come to the USA and start small businesses. Make it a realistic investment for regular people and we will soon see the results.

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joycean | Jan 25, 2012, 03:01 PM EST
antoman, It costs too much to incarcerate people. We couldn't afford to do that and then "replace" them. Just as an observation, sometimes people get the wrong impression about this country. I live in a racially mixed neighborhood in a medium-sized city. My neighbors are whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asians. I have never been arrested or jailed. I don't know anyone who has: including all those blacks, Hispanics and Asians. The only time I see police is at traffic accidents.

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Murph46 | Jan 25, 2012, 12:29 PM EST
Send me some fair Colleen's !

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peterson | Jan 25, 2012, 11:40 AM EST
Maybe the Irish can help get the USA back on track !!

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antoman | Jan 25, 2012, 10:40 AM EST
Lock up 10,000 Americans. That three strike thing, for jaywalking, anything. Then invite all 10,000 of us Irish over all at once. Easy peasy.

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joycean | Jan 25, 2012, 08:00 AM EST
Up to 10,000? In 2010, 1700 immigrated to this country and that is too many.

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