| This dissertation examines two Irish lobby groups, the Irish Immigration Reform Movement (1987--1990) and the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform (2005-- ), each of which pushed for special visa allotments for Irish immigrants in the United States, Diversity Visas and E-3 Visas respectively. Data was collected from archives, interviews, social media sites, newspapers, and government documents and statistics. This research explores the organizational structure, strategic efforts both inside and outside of each organization, and justifications used to promote visa allotments for Irish. The history of Irish immigration, relevant United States legislation, and impact of a changing technological landscape are all examined.;In this study I found that the organization of each group differed vastly. The Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform is a top down, ad hoc organization that has experienced three distinct stages, whereas the Irish Immigration Reform Movement was well organized with elected officials, branches, and official members. In addition, the Irish Immigration Reform Movement played a dual role of political and social activism. These differences are due in part to the political dilemmas faced by each group. A context of reception framework (labor market, governmental response, ethnic community, public opinion) is used to advance our understanding of how internal and external constraints impact the structure, strategy, and presentation of immigrant each lobby group. While each context is significant, the harsher political climate since 2001 has had a profound impact upon the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. I conclude that the overall contexts of reception were more favorable for the Irish Immigration Reform Movement. |
