The matter could be described as the reverse of the problem raised by Deputy Gilmore the difficulties experienced by some Americans on their application for naturalisation. They feel just as aggrieved as those young Irish people refused entry to the US on a holiday visa basis. They find it difficult to explain why they too are refused.
In excess of 40 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. Irish people have a close affinity with the US. More than any other country Irish people are welcome in the US. When our several hundreds of soccer supporters visit the US for the World Cup they will discover this at first hand. Since the introduction of the Morrison visa programme more than 28,500 visas have been issued to Irish applicants which will enable them to work in lucrative jobs in America and to advance their future prospects. Already this year 7,800 visas have been allocated under the Morrison visa programme. I too have heard of refusals and in certain cases the American Embassy was wrong. Generally speaking they are fair in the sense that everyone is treated equally. Even if a politician contacts them they will not change their mind on an application. Despite the affinity and the friendship built up between US and Ireland on a political, social and cultural basis down through the years Americans who apply for naturalisation experience considerable difficulty.
I am aware of a few cases and one in particular of a lady refused naturalisation which has been appealed on a number of occasions. From the story she told me I see no reason for her refusal. She corresponded with me recently and explained how she likes Ireland. Since she studied geography in school her desire was to come to Ireland some day and she did so nine years ago. She sold her home, made other necessary arrangements and in February 1987 she settled down here. She said she has a great love for the Irish people, the land and the climate and pointed out that the extremely hot summers in the US were becoming more difficult to endure. She would be prepared to work here and does not wish to return to the US.
I understand the Ambassador has taken a keen interest in her case. She said that since coming to Ireland she has been struck by the difficulties faced by Americans attempting to work here and is trying with the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Employment, Deputy O'Rourke, to reach a satisfactory accommodation. Given the warm and exceptionally cordial relationships between our two countries, all that has been done and is being done to allow Irish citizens to emigrate and work in the US she hopes that some way can be found to accommodate these applicants. I appeal to the Minister to show leniency in this case and to treat applicants as fairly as possible.
