I am pleased that we are able to vote on this bill today. It is both timely and necessary. One of my proudest legislative achievements is the passage of the Diversity Visa which helped our countries reestablish a very important bond. Todays vote in favor of this bill will further cement this union. Both our nations will benefit greatly from this exchange of knowledge and people. This bill will help Irish nationals learn valuable skills needed to strengthen local economies in Northern Ireland. My only disappointment with this negotiated version of the bill is that it grants a smaller number of visas than under the original bill. That bill. which I cosponsored. would have made available 50.000 visas. Nonetheless let me be clear that I fully support the goals of this legislation and I urge my colleagues to do the same. The people of Ireland have added to the cultural fabric of this country for many years. I have always believed that Irish immigrants have made a special and tangible contribution to America. Theirs is a story of hardship and hope. of trials and triumph. I ask my colleagues to remember that millions of Irish people chose us for their home away from home.
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Visa immigrants visas