Rockland Reporter

On May 22, 2024, Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17) introduced the Advancing Opportunity for Hibernians (AOH) Act. The E-3 program currently allocates 10,500 visas to Australian citizens seeking to work in specialty occupations in the United States. However, thousands of these visa spots remain unused each year. The AOH Act aims to allow qualified Irish citizens to access these unused visas.

"As an Irish-Italian Catholic, my family's story is like so many who came to this country in search of better opportunity for themselves and their posterity," said Congressman Mike Lawler. "Upwards of six million Irish immigrants came to the United States since 1820 and today one-sixth of American citizens are of Irish descent. The bonds between our people are inseparable, and the Irish American story is woven into the tapestry of America."

"Generations of Irish immigrants made this country into what it is today, enriching its communities and leaving an indelible mark on its history," Congressman Lawler continued. "Now, a new generation of Irish wish to follow in their footsteps, and it's in our national interest to let them."

"The AOH Act is a common-sense bill that will enable Irish citizens to utilize unused visa spots to come to our shores, creating opportunity for themselves and adding to our communities just as their ancestors had done," Congressman Lawler concluded. "As a longtime AOH member in Rockland County and a member of the Friends of Ireland Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this legislation and advance opportunity for my fellow Hibernians."

"Congressman Lawler has been a great friend to the Irish American community from day one, and the AOH Act reaffirms his strong support for Irish Americans," said Ancient Order of Hibernians in America President Daniel J. O'Connell. "Since the founding of our nation, when George Washington noted, 'When our friendless standards were first unfurled, who were the strangers who first mustered around our staff? Erin's generous sons,' America has benefitted from a 'special relationship' with Ireland. Yet, since 1965, America has deprived itself, to its disadvantage and to the advantage of other nations, of some of the best-educated and talented workers in the world. By ensuring that Irish nationals can use E-3 visas, we can reopen pathways for thousands of talented Irish nationals and once again benefit from the knowledge, energy, and drive of Ireland's sons and daughters. Thanks to Congressman Lawler, we may be one step closer to that as a reality."

Congressman Lawler is known as one of the most bipartisan members of the 118th Congress and represents New York's 17th Congressional District. This district is located just north of New York City and includes all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.