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

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?

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.

If this was about Obamas aunt or uncle everything would already be done.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Send me some fair Colleen's !

Maybe the Irish can help get the USA back on track !!

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.

Up to 10,000? In 2010, 1700 immigrated to this country and that is too many.