Morrison hits out at Immigration Bill

The man behind the Morrison Visa programme in the United States has criticised the Government's draft Immigration Bill.

Speaking at a press conference organised by the Immigrant Council of Ireland today, former US Congressman Bruce Morrison said the legislation failed in one basic respect.

He said the bill should offer permanent residency to certain immigrants, as was the case under the Morrison Visa programme, through which thousands of Irish people benefited.

"Immigration is going to be a permanent part of the future of Ireland and immigrants are going to be a part of that future," he said.

"They should not be taken on a temporary work-permit basis. They should be admitted under a system of permanent residence that has been successful in places like Canada and the US."