Former U.S. Congressman Bruce Morrison has said he has no doubt that a deal on a new E3 visa scheme for Irish people to work in the US will happen, but said it was a question of when.
Under the proposed new scheme, 10,500 people per year would be able to work legally in the USA as long as they get a job in advance of going there.
“The proposal is for 10,500 per year not counting dependents – so spouses and children would count extra,” he said.
“So it’s a big number for the actual demand to come and live in the US, even in bad times like this. And in good times it probably wouldn’t be fully subscribed.”
He said there is agreement on the issue in the U.S. Senate, and it could be voted on by the end of the year.
He rated its chance of success as 50-50. But he said the scheme will get passed either as part of a comprehensive immigration reform, or ahead of it.
