Michael Brewster

Life in Ireland at the time was bleak, 20% unemployment, no clear career prospects, and a mass exodus of young people seeking opportunity abroad. I had completed three years of business studies at Athlone RTC (now TUS), but the reality was that even with a degree, jobs were scarce. Staying in Ireland didn’t seem like an option, so I chose America.

I focused on finishing my degree so I transferred my college credits to Thomas Edison State University in New Jersey. Through a combination of correspondence courses and local college classes, I completed my management finance degree while working full-time. My schedule was brutal, working the night shift from 11 PM to 7 AM, attending classes in the morning, and squeezing in sleep whenever I could. But America rewards those who hustle, and I was determined to make it work.

“My big break came in 1992 when a close friend helped me land a spot in the training program at Lehman Brothers. It was a life-changing opportunity.”

The U.S. operates as a true meritocracy, no one cared where I went to college or where I came from; they cared if I could do the job. That mentality allowed me to thrive. I worked alongside people from all over the world, and talent was the only thing that mattered.

Over the years, I’ve had some surreal moments. One that stands out was working for Lehman Brothers during the week while moonlighting as a horse-and-carriage driver in Central Park on weekends to make ends meet. In Ireland, I would have been too embarrassed to take on such an odd job, but in America, I saw the bigger picture. It was about surviving, hustling, and building a future.

Another defining moment was when I first set foot in the halls of Lehman Brothers. Coming from a small town in Ireland, the sheer scale and energy of a Wall Street firm were overwhelming. It was a world of fast-paced decision-making, high-pressure situations, and limitless opportunity. I thrived in that environment because I had spent years learning how to hustle, adapt, and push forward, regardless of the challenges ahead.

Despite my success, it wasn’t always easy. The biggest challenge was adjusting to a culture where everything moved at breakneck speed. Unlike Ireland, where stability and long-term security were valued, the U.S. demanded constant reinvention and adaptability. There was no safety net, and every failure was a lesson to be learned quickly.

The Morrison Visa changed everything. It took me from being undocumented to having a real shot at success. It gave me the security to build a career, buy a home, and contribute to my community. Looking back, I know how lucky I was, but I also know how much I worked to make the most of it.

“The Morrison Visa wasn’t just an immigration policy, it was a lifeline. It gave thousands of Irish people a legal path to stay in the U.S. and build a future.”

Today, as immigration policies become more restrictive, I believe programs like it should be revived. There are ambitious, hardworking people out there who just need the chance I was given.

As the program marks its 30th anniversary, I hope we continue to push for legal pathways for future generations. The legacy of the Morrison Visa isn’t just in the people it helped, but in the contributions we’ve made to America in return.