Ann Murtagh

I received my initial Bruce Morrison Visa Program paperwork while living in Dublin completing my last year of my degree at Dublin College of Catering. Thank you, Dad for filling out the paperwork. I was very excited when I received the green card as I always wanted to live in the U.S. ever since I watched as a child the television show set in San Francisco based around a hotel (funnily enough the show was called ‘Hotel ’). The show was filmed at the real-life Fairmont San Francisco Hotel and everything looked so fast-paced and glamorous, I was completely hooked!

When I made the move to the U.S. I started in sunny San Diego as my best friend from school, Mary had arrived there a year earlier but ended up settling in New York. Being a ‘Dub’, I am a city girl at heart, and California was just that bit far from home for me.

When I first moved it was definitely a culture shock. I felt I fit in better in New York. The East Coast mentality has got a whole different flavor. If the West Coast is like a laid-back surfer, the East Coast is like a fast-walking ‘go getter ’ with a coffee in one hand and a plan in the other. New York is not for the faint-hearted. This city has that raw, unfiltered energy that either makes you or breaks you. First, you learn to ‘survive’ and then you learn to ‘thrive ’. As a hotelier, my first job in NYC was at the iconic Waldorf Astoria. I am forever grateful to my dear friend Anton, originally from May,o who called me to say they were looking for someone in the sales department. I am very glad he never told me that I would have to pass 10 interviews!!!

Immigration to the U.S. has long played a crucial role in shaping the country’s identity, economy, and global influence.

“The Morrison Visa Program didn’t just help the recipients, it has enriched the country in many ways, including filling labor gaps, entrepreneurship, tax contributions, and cultural diversity to name a few.”

I truly believe that giving visas to immigrants is the right thing to do, not only because it aligns with the values of compassion and opportunity that America was built on, but also because it directly benefits the country and future generations. Immigrants bring fresh energy, skills, and diverse perspectives that fuel innovation, strengthen our workforce, and enrich our communities. By welcoming those who seek a better life, we ensure a stronger, more dynamic, and more connected future for everyone.

Last Thursday (4/10/25) was a very special day for me, I became an official U.S. citizen. As someone from Ireland, I’m especially grateful for the ability to hold dual citizenship and maintain a connection to both of my homes. That day, it really struck me how fortunate I am. I know not everyone has this opportunity, and I hope that many more who are on the path behind me get the same chance to build a life here and feel truly welcomed. Citizenship is more than a legal status, it’s a deep sense of belonging, and I don’t take that for granted.”