"We’ve all contributed to the U.S. economy. There's no question in my mind, immigration done right helps this country, not hinders it."
In 1992, when the Morrison Visa program opened, there were no limits on the number of applications you could send in. A few friends and I sent in 400 each. That’s how much it meant to us, we knew how important this opportunity could be.
At the time, I was living in Los Angeles on a H1-B visa. I had already left Ireland for the U.K. to pursue work, and when the job in LA came up, I grabbed it. But the Morrison Visa? That was different. It offered freedom, the ability to stay, build a life, and choose where to work. In Ireland back then, it was hard to see a secure future in my line of work. The Morrison Visa opened doors that simply didn’t exist at home.
“Once I secured my visa in 1992, I applied again in 1993 on behalf of my sister. She was successful too, and we’ve both made California our home ever since.”
We each met our husbands here, raised families, and created lives we love. With the rest of our family still in Ireland, it’s a blessing to have each other close by.
Settling in wasn’t too hard for me. I didn’t arrive with much money, but there was plenty of work, and I was determined. I worked hard, found a decent place to live, got my driver’s license, and bought a cheap car. I didn’t get too homesick, my family visited, and that helped so much.
I actually met my husband here in California, he was also a Morrison Visa recipient, though we hadn’t known each other back in Ireland. It’s amazing to think how both of our lives were changed by this one opportunity. We’ve done well, and we’ve had experiences we never would have had if we hadn’t taken that chance.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is being able to give back to my parents. They grew up with very little, and it means the world to me that I’ve been able to treat them, bring them places they never could have imagined seeing. That’s a gift the Morrison Visa made possible.”
I often think about how lucky I was to be around when the program was announced. I know many Irish people here in California who came over through the Morrison Visa, and every single one of them has built a good life. We’ve all contributed to the U.S. economy. There’s no question in my mind, immigration helps this country, not hinders it.
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.
