"The Morrison Visa symbolises hope and opportunity—not just for us as individuals, but for our communities and our children"
In 1994, I received my Morrison Visa while I was living in Belgium. My first home in the United States was in sunny Miami, Florida.
Before moving to the U.S., I was finishing college, and the career landscape in Ireland was bleak. Jobs were scarce, and most people my age were emigrating to the UK, Australia, and beyond. My mother applied for the Morrison Visa on my behalf while I was studying in Belgium, knowing that I had always dreamed of living in the United States.
Arriving in the U.S. brought a whirlwind of new experiences, but one moment stands out: getting my driver’s license in Miami.
Driving on a four-lane highway was a game-changer for me. I remember thinking, “If I can handle this, I can take on the world. Everything else is peanuts!”
Of course, the transition wasn’t without challenges. In 1994, funds were limited, and getting home to Ireland was only possible once a year—a long wait that often felt too much. However, we were never short of company. With Florida’s allure, friends and family were easily convinced to come visit, creating an extended family away from home.
Moving to the U.S. has been a life-changing experience for me. I’m proud to say that the opportunities here have shaped my entire career. The U.S. culture embraces change and ambition, and I have been able to reinvent myself many times over. From working as a scientist to managing Life Sciences for Enterprise Ireland, and even launching products for major pharmaceutical companies, the U.S. made it all possible. The belief here that you can take on new challenges and succeed has been pivotal for me.
The Morrison Visa program means so much more to me now than just a green card. It symbolizes hope and opportunity—not only for me but for generations to come. It has impacted our families, our children born as U.S. citizens, and the lives we’ve touched both in America and back home in Ireland. The Morrison Visa stands as a testament to what can be achieved when immigration is done the right way, within a legal framework. It shows that when given the chance, we can create something wonderful.
A committee of visa recipients and stakeholders are gathering stories on the impact and legacy of the Bruce Morrison Program All are welcome to join please register your interest to receive more information here.
