The Morrison Legacy Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its official website, MorrisonLegacy.com, dedicated to commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Morrison Visa Program.
This landmark visa program, active from 1992 to 1995, granted approximately 45,000 visas, to immigrants from the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, profoundly influencing the Irish American community.
The newly launched website serves as a central hub for Morrison Visa recipients to reconnect and share their personal narratives. By visiting the "Share Your Story" section, individuals can contribute their experiences, highlighting the program's lasting impact on their lives and communities. These stories aim to celebrate the enduring legacy of the program and its role in strengthening ties between Ireland and the United States.
In addition to the digital platform, the newly formed Morrison Legacy Foundation is organising a series of events throughout the fall of 2025 to honour former Congressman Bruce Morrison and mark the program's three-decade milestone. These events will bring together visa recipients, their families, and supporters to reflect on the program's significance and the opportunities it created.
Reflecting on the program's inception, Bruce Morrison stated, "Immigration is not charity.
"We didn't award the visas for the good of the Irish.
"We did it for the good of America."
Former Congressman Bruce Morrison speaking at IrishCentral’s Legal Elite 2024. (Nuala Purcell)
Morrison Visa recipient and Executive Director at NorthWell Health, Elaine Brennan, a native of Co Clare, said: “The Morrison Visa program means so much more to me now than just a green card.
"It symbolizes hope and opportunity, not only for me but for generations to come.”
The Morrison Legacy Foundation is being established to preserve and promote the history and impact of the Morrison Visa Program. It invites all recipients and their families to engage with the website and participate in the upcoming commemorative events. By sharing stories and attending events, individuals can contribute to a collective narrative that honours the past and inspires future generations.
About the Morrison Legacy Foundation
The Morrison Legacy Foundation will be a nonprofit organisation committed to recognising and celebrating the contributions of Morrison Visa recipients to the United States over the past 30 years. Through partnerships with cultural and educational institutions, the foundation aims to document the program's history, analyse its economic and social impact, and foster a deeper appreciation of the shared heritage between Ireland and the United States.