John Breslin

I received my Morrison Visa in September 1993 while studying in Galway. My green card, still in my possession, bears the title “Resident Alien” and serves as a reminder of that time. Interestingly, my parents had previously received the Donnelly Visa, but we didn’t take it up at the time.

Unlike many others, I didn’t make a permanent move to the U.S. Instead, I spent summers and holidays there, going back and forth while keeping Ireland as my main base. My initial destination was Chicago, where my uncle was based, but my travels took me across multiple states.

At the time, I was a college student studying engineering. The Irish job market was uncertain, particularly in the tech sector. In early 1993, Digital closed its Galway plant, a major employer, which signalled a downturn. Like many others, I saw America as a land of opportunity.

I likely applied for the Morrison Visa in 1992 when job prospects in Ireland weren’t promising. That uncertainty, coupled with the sense of adventure and possibility that America offered, motivated me to take the chance.

One of my favourite memories is from the moment I filled out my visa application. I had to list the type of work I planned to do in the U.S. Since my uncle was a carpenter, I wrote down “carpenter” as my intended profession, despite having no experience whatsoever!

“Before I left, my dad handed me two pieces of wood, a hammer, and a nail and said, “Nail these together. Now you’re officially a carpenter.” That was the extent of my training!”

Beyond that, my first visits to the U.S. felt surreal, like stepping into a television show. Everything was bigger: the cities, the roads, the cars. But, having grown up watching American TV, it also felt oddly familiar.

Because I was going back and forth rather than settling permanently, my biggest challenge was navigating the complexities of immigration rules. Holding a green card meant I had to return to the U.S. regularly to maintain my status.

I worked as a visiting researcher at Virginia Tech in 1996, and five years later after a research conference, I attempted to cross the Canadian border to visit Seattle. Even though I was legally allowed to enter, I was given a hard time by U.S. border officials. It was stressful, always wondering if the rules had changed or if I’d be questioned too much.

Over time, maintaining the green card became more difficult, and I eventually stopped using it.

While I didn’t settle permanently, my time in the U.S. broadened my perspective. I met people from diverse backgrounds, experienced American academic life, and built professional connections that benefited my career.

Even after I gave up my green card, I remained engaged with the U.S., serving on a nonprofit board with the American Council on Exercise. That ongoing relationship with the country has been an invaluable part of my journey.

‘One thing I’ve always appreciated is the strength of the Irish-American connection. Whether in Chicago, New York, or elsewhere, the Irish community is strong, welcoming, and deeply rooted. It’s a testament to the long-standing ties between the two countries.”

For many, the Morrison Visa was life-changing. It opened doors to careers, opportunities, and new beginnings that simply weren’t available in Ireland at the time.

I often reflect on “sliding doors” moments, how one decision or opportunity can lead to a completely different path. If I hadn’t been awarded a PhD scholarship in Ireland, I might have fully moved to the U.S. and taken a completely different trajectory.

The Morrison Visa gave thousands of people the chance to build new lives, and I believe similar programs could still benefit future generations. Immigration is about opportunity, growth, and contribution, not just for the individual, but for the society that welcomes them.