Congrats to Brian O’Dwyer, 2015 AOH Seán MacBride Humanitarian Award Winner
It was my honor to successfully nominate Dr. O’Dwyer. I have known and worked with Brian for decades, and no one is more deserving to be honored in this way. He followed in his great father Paul O’Dwyer’s footsteps and made many great strides himself. Brian’s dedication to Peace, Justice and a United Ireland, improvement of lives for people across the globe is legendary. He has both created great leadership and advised great leaders on many fronts, particularly those related in Ireland, the USA, and as Chairman of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, strives for a bright future for our newest and oldest Irish Americans and everyone in between!
Pope Francis Effect on US Politics on Immigration
The visit to DC, NY and PA had many positive effects on America. He has singlehandedly touched many hearts and minds in a way that we have not seen since Pope John Paul II. His addresses to Congress, United Nations and his homilies and meditations often spoke of immigration and appealed to our legislators to rethink immigration and migrants. The morning after listening to His Holiness address to a uniquely civil & respectful Joint Session of Congress, Speaker of the House Boehner decided to pack it in, and credited the Pope with that decision. In spite of a universal understanding that nothing will happen on immigration until after 2016 Presidential election, on the last day of September 2015, a miracle happened.
One of the most verbal opponents of any form of progressive immigration reform legislation, Wisconsin’s Jim Sensenbrenner, agreed to sponsor an Irish E3 visa. Irish Ambassador Ann Anderson, who we all know has been committed to the issue since she arrived and visiting Irish Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan had meetings with Congressmen from both Houses and all parties to discuss reform and Sensenbrenner has lent his support. At the very least, this standalone bill will keep positive dialog on Irish visas aloft. Call your Congressmen and ask them to support this effort for Irish E3’s and tell them Pope Francis sends his regards.
Followup on Berkeley Irish Student Tragedy
I would like to thank all who supported the students and families of the Berkeley Irish Student Tragedy, whether financially, in correspondence or prayer. I am happy to report that many of the seriously injured youngsters have been able to return home to Ireland to continue their recovery. They are extremely grateful for the outpouring of support and care they received while here. I applaud our Officers and members for standing up for the injured, the deceased and Irish participation in the J1 program. If your business and community would benefit from offering a young Irish person a remarkable work and cultural experience, please let your immigration chair local Irish Consulate or immigration center know. You will join a 50 year success story!
US- Ireland Dual Citizenship
Have you ever considered holding Dual-Citizenship with Ireland? Having an Irish Passport?
Hibernians definitely have a special relationship with Ireland and its people, many traveling to Ireland, visiting family and friends, even studying in Ireland’s higher learning institutions. With the global nature of business today, many US citizens now work in Ireland. For the most part, our stays are temporary, usually less than 6 month, but what if a person desires to move or retire to Ireland?
Holding dual citizenship with Ireland is permitted by the US State Department and allows unlimited stays in Ireland and unrestricted travel around the nearly 30 nations of the European Union for those with successfully apply and receive both citizenship and passports.
Who is eligible for Dual Citizenship with Ireland?
If you were born in Ireland to Irish citizens, congrats, you are an Irish Citizen!
If your parents, or grand-parents were born in Ireland, you qualify!
Unfortunately, If you are married to an Irish citizen, there is now an Irish residency requirement.
Knowing your eligibility and how to apply, pay fees and provide documentation to prove your qualifications are key. Applications can be downloaded from the General Registry Office in Dublin or contact a local Irish Consulate and they will be happy to help you with the process.
Annual DV Lottery Now Open
Please read info from John Stahl, Director of Immigration Legal Services of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center:
The annual diversity visa lottery registration and application period opens once again on October 1st through November 3rd for those who are eligible to apply for a green card to reside permanently in the United States. Applications will only be accepted online via the U.S. Department of State official website at www.dvlottery.state.gov.
In recent years there has been an increase in online scams promising green cards or quicker service for a fee. EIIC’s Immigration Attorney and Director of Immigration Legal Services, John A. Stahl, Esq., urged those interested in applying to note, “There is no fee to apply and there is only one official website to register.” He advises individuals to ignore any email offers to help complete or expedite the application process.
Please call either of our offices if you need assistance with your application. The immigration legal services staff at the Center is once again appealing to potential applicants to apply early this year, cautioning that the official DV Lottery website can get frozen closer to the deadline of noon on Tuesday, November 3rd.
Immigrants created this Order and today it remains our job to make room for them in our communities and lend them a hand when they need it. What we get in return is a better Ancient Order of Hibernians, a better United States and a better Ireland.
Yours in Our Motto of Friendship Unity and Christian Charity,
Dan Dennehy