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US State Department Accepting Diversity Visa Applications through November 3, 2010

An immigrant visa program offered by the U.S. State Department called the Diversity Visa Lottery Program is currently accepting applications for entry to the United States in 2012. The period of application is October 5 through November 3, 2010. Mandated by the U.S. Congress, the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes available 50,000 diversity visas annually, drawn from random selection among applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Citizens from Ireland and Northern Ireland are eligible to participate in the lottery. For more details on Irish applications, visit the website of the Embassy of the United States in Dublin. There is no application fee and the application must be made electronically. For ongoing details on efforts by President Barack Obama to create comprehensive immigration reform in the United States, visit WhiteHouse.gov .

Former President Bill Clinton Returns to Northern Ireland to Discuss Economic Strategies and Peace

(September 29, 2010) -- Today former U.S. President Bill Clinton delivered a speech at the University of Ulster’s Magee Campus in Derry, discussing economic strategies for Northern Ireland while promoting US investment there. Accompanied by US Envoy to Northern Ireland Declan Kelley , Clinton met with Northern Ireland leaders First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, as well as former SDLP leader John Hume. Addressing several hundred political leaders, business leaders and students at the University’s Great Hall, President Clinton encouraged the people of Northern Ireland to weather the economic difficulties of the time while remaining appreciative of the peace that has come to Northern Ireland. "It was a really nice ride for a long time then, just like everybody's life, there are bumps in the road. This is also part of living a peaceful life, facing the tough times, facing the crisis and facing it together, " President Clin

President Obama speaks about Dan Rooney, US Ambassador to Ireland

President Obama on ESPN Speaking about Dan Rooney, US Ambassador to Ireland and owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers .

United States - Northern Ireland Economic Conference Set for October 19 in Washington D.C.

The U.S. State Department is hosting a one-day economic conference to showcase American investment opportunities in Northern Ireland on Tuesday, October 19, 2010, at the U.S. State Department. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will preside over the conference of 70-80 participants. The conference was announced on March 17, 2010 following a meeting with President Barack Obama, Secretary Clinton and leaders from Northern Ireland, according to Declan Kelly , US Envoy to Northern Ireland. First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness are expected to represent Northern Ireland at the conference. Executives from American corporations already doing business in Northern Ireland will share their experiences with corporate executives who are considering investment there. Key partners involved in the conference include Tourism Ireland , the U.S. Consulate in Belfast and the Ireland Funds . For a full list of partners, click here . The conference is part of an ongoing

Statement by the President on Senate Proposal Outlined to Fix Our Nation’s Broken Immigration System

THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary (Issued on April 29, 2010) “It is the federal government's responsibility to enforce the law and secure our borders, as well as to set clear rules and priorities for future immigration. The continued failure of the federal government to fix the broken immigration system will leave the door open to a patchwork of actions at the state and local level that are inconsistent and as we have seen recently, often misguided. The proposal outlined today in the Senate is a very important step in the process of fixing our nation’s broken immigration system. I am especially pleased to see that this detailed outline is consistent with the bipartisan framework presented by Senators Chuck Schumer and Lindsey Graham last month, and is grounded in the principles of responsibility and accountability. What has become increasingly clear is that we can no longer wait to fix our broken immigration system, which Democrats and Republicans alike agree doesn’t w

US Ambassador Dan Rooney to Discuss Ireland's Cultural Heritage on May 6

Daniel M. Rooney, U.S. Ambassador to Ireland , is hosting a community forum to discuss how Ireland's cultural heritage can help the economy. The forum takes place on Thursday, May 6, 2010, froom Noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Hynes Theatre, Wexford Opera House , in County Wexford. The event is free and open to the public. Ambassador Rooney, a native of Pittsburgh, PA, was named as US Ambassador to Ireland by President Barack Obama on March 17, 2009. He was sworn into office by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, on July 1, 2009. IrishAmericansforObamaBiden

Remarks by President Barack Obama at St. Patrick's Day Reception on March 17, 2010

East Wing, White House PRESIDENT OBAMA: Welcome to St. Patrick’s Day at the White House, on a day when springtime is in the air –- and this is -- even though the Taoiseach hasn’t even shared his shamrocks yet, but we can feel spring coming. Before I say anything else let me just say that I could not have a better partner in a difficult job than the Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden; he does a great job each and every day. (Applause.) And I couldn't have a better partner in life than the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. (Applause.) Welcome back, Mr. Prime Minister, First Lady. We are thrilled to have you. The Irish and Irish-Americans are out in force tonight. I believe, if I'm not mistaken that Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is here. (Applause.) A couple of my Cabinet Secretaries are here, as well –- Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. (Applause.) I would love to ackn

President Obama Declares March as Irish Heritage Month, 2010

From long before American independence to today, countless individuals have reached our shores, bringing vibrant cultures and diverse roots, and immeasurably enriching our Nation. This month, we honor the contributions made by the tens of millions of Americans who trace their heritage to the Emerald Isle. Irish Americans fought for our independence, and their signatures adorn our founding documents. When famine ravaged Ireland in the 1840s and 1850s, many Irish men and women sought a new beginning in the United States. Though they faced poverty and discrimination, these immigrants transformed our cities, served in our Armed Forces, and settled the frontiers of our young Nation. Their children, and succeeding generations of Irish Americans, have preserved their culture's values while becoming leaders in every facet of American life. During this year's Irish-American Heritage Month, we also celebrate an extraordinary Irishman: Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Throughout his career in p

Remarks of US Secretary State Hillary Clinton on Northern Ireland

February 5, 2010 Well, today is a very positive day for Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland has taken another important step toward a full and lasting peace. Its political leaders have agreed on a roadmap and timeline for the devolution of policing and justice powers, and they’ve taken other productive steps as well. The accord they announced today will help consolidate the hard-won gains of the past decade. Now, this has not been an easy road. There were plenty of bumps along the way. I have been in regular contact with the parties during the past year and, especially since my trip to Belfast in October, and I know that the way forward was far from clear. So I really want to applaud all of the parties for ultimately choosing negotiations over confrontation. In finalizing this deal, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness and their teams displayed the kind of leadership that the people of Northern Ireland deserve. I want to recognize the leadership and the patient resolve of Prime Minister

President Obama Campaigns for Martha Coakley in Massachusetts

Boston, MA – President Barack Obama came to Boston on Sunday to endorse Massachusetts Senate candidate Martha Coakley, appearing at a rally at Northeastern University. President Obama also released an ad calling upon voters to get to the polls on Tuesday, January 19 to ensure Coakley's victory. The ad can be viewed on youtube . Campaign Manager Kevin Conroy said, “Massachusetts voters understand the clear difference they face tomorrow. One candidate will stand with Wall Street, and with the failed economic policies of the past. One candidate will stand with middle class families and lead our Commonwealth into a more prosperous future. The energy surrounding President Obama’s visit and the upcoming election reflects the enthusiasm we’ve seen for Martha’s proud record of standing up for Massachusetts, and her strong vision for our country.” Coakley became Massachusetts’ first female Attorney General in January 2007. Throughout her public career, she has a proven record of taking

Statement by Vice President Joe Biden on the Death of his Mother

“My mother, Catherine Eugenia “Jean” Finnegan Biden, passed away peacefully today at our home in Wilmington, Delaware, surrounded by her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and many loved ones. At 92, she was the center of our family and taught all of her children that family is to be treasured, loyalty is paramount and faith will guide you through the tough times. She believed in us, and because of that, we believed in ourselves. Together with my father, her husband of 61 years who passed away in 2002, we learned the dignity of hard work and that you are defined by your sense of honor. Her strength, which was immeasurable, will live on in all of us.” Catherine Eugenia “Jean” Finnegan Biden was born on July 17, 1917, the daughter of the late Ambrose J. Finnegan and the former Geraldine C. Blewitt of Scranton, Pennsylvania. In 1941, she married Joseph Robinette Biden. They were married for 61 years before Mr. Biden passed away in 2002. Mrs. Biden is survived by her elde