"The Morrison Visa gave us hope and opportunity at a time when Ireland simply couldn’t offer that to us."
I received my visa in 1994 while living in Manchester, England. I arrived in New York City in November of that year, intending to stay for just one year, but I never left!
I had visited NYC with my family before and always knew I wanted to return to experience the energy and vibrancy of the city. While Manchester was close to home, New York offered far greater opportunities.
“One of the most astonishing things about my experience was how willing the Irish Diaspora were to help each other out.”
People couldn’t do enough for us. They used their contacts and connections to help us find jobs, apartments, whatever we needed, and were always generous with their time. From day one, we felt incredibly welcome.
The initial challenges of getting set up, bank accounts, health insurance, social security numbers, and establishing credit, took time, but with the assistance and guidance of family and friends, we navigated through it successfully.
“I am most proud of the life we have created here for our four boys. They were all born in the U.S. and are deeply connected to their Irish heritage, embracing it with pride.”
I would not be here today if it were not for the Morrison Visa Program. When we graduated from college, Ireland was going through a tough time for employment. The Morrison Visa gave us hope and opportunity at a time when Ireland simply couldn’t offer that to us.
Your experience is a part of the Morrison Legacy. Whether it’s about the opportunities the Morrison Visa created or the connections it fostered, your experience helps celebrate the lasting impact of this program on the Irish-American community. Join us in preserving this incredible legacy by sharing your journey today.
