How has the Recession hits Irish immigration centers in New York?
Irish immigration centers in New York are feeling the pinch of the recession and are concerned about the future of their services. Spokespersons for the Emerald Isle Immigration Center, with offices in Queens and the Bronx, and the Aisling Irish Community Center in Yonkers told the Irish Voice this week that although the Irish government has already pledged their annual funding for the coming year, essential donations from local businesses and the community are down considerably. “The Irish government’s funding has now become even more critical for us with other sources cut back somewhat substantially. With our resources being so strained I don’t know what we would do without it,” said Brian O’Dwyer, chairman of the board at the Emerald Isle Immigration Center. This coming year the Emerald Isle is expected to get $210,000 from the Irish government. Orla Doherty, executive director at the Aisling Irish Community Center, said there has been a tremendous growth in the demand for services
