Derek Foran

I got my Morrison Visa in 1993. At the time, I was living in Dublin and working night shifts at a petrol station. I had a college degree, but so did most of the others I worked with, six of us in total. That’s how bad the Irish economy was back then. Despite our education, there were no real opportunities. When the Morrison Visa came through, I didn’t hesitate. I moved to San Francisco with one clear goal: to find work and build a better future.

“Landing in San Francisco was overwhelming. The sheer size of the place, the pace, the possibilities, it was unlike anything I’d experienced before.”

I was full of hope but also a little intimidated by the enormity of what lay ahead.

Shortly after I arrived, I became a young father. That changed everything. I knew I had to do more, not just for myself, but for my family. I made the decision to apply to law school, even with two young children in tow. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined. I studied hard, kept my focus, and eventually graduated second in my class.

Since then, I’ve had a fulfilling and successful legal career. I’ve built a life here, one filled with purpose, growth, and gratitude. Looking back, none of it would have happened without that visa. It gave me a fresh start and a real chance to live up to my potential.