Immigration Report – Jan/Feb/Mar 2025
President Sean Pender encourages nationally elected and appointed officers to engage with State, County and Division leadership. We will create opportunities for remote and in-person meetings with Immigration Chairs and members on key topics, including:
- USA and Ireland/ UK Travel requirements,
- Obtaining Irish Citizenship and Passports,
- Reciprocal Immigration and Driver’s License Legislation,
- Hiring/ assisting Irish immigrants,
- Accessing Irish Immigrant Centers & Irish Consulates,
- Addressing Visa Denial for U.S. Visa Applicants in Ireland, particularly North of Ireland residents and
- Irish Artists with gigs in America,
- Celebrating 250 Years of Irish Contributions to America.
President Pender will coordinate engagement with the White House, Congress and Ireland’s Oireachtas on Immigration and other AOH issues. The AOH supports legislation to restore a reasonable quota for Irish immigrants’ visas, pushing for ‘modular reform,’ as each country has a distinct relationship with the U.S. State Department and through U.S. Trade agreements. For over 250 years, Ireland has made a significant contribution to America.
Education on Irish Immigration begins with the AOH Preamble and Motto, which requires us to look beyond long-held misconceptions about Irish immigrants. Our pledge to protect and defend Irish and Catholic immigrants has never changed. When we say “undocumented” instead of “illegal” regarding Irish immigrants, there is a valid reason: The vast majority of Irish immigrants come here legally through the Visa Waiver Program work visas, H1B visas, and other short-term visas. We discourage visa overstays due to serious consequences, including potential 10-year bans. The number of undocumented Irish immigrants has diminished over the years, with many long-standing contributors to our communities. Ireland receives about 100 green cards from the annual Diversity Visa Green Card lottery, and Irish Immigration Centers assist others in adjusting their status legally.
It’s important to remind officials of Ireland’s contributions and promote Ray O’Hanlon’s book, Unintended Consequences, as a valuable resource.
You can find a local Irish Immigration Center at www.ciic-usa.org. Your support at these centers is welcome, and I encourage everyone to get involved for mutual benefit.
