Globalisation, 9/11 & the Irish in New York: The end of the Diaspora?

Main Arguments

• Trends in Globalisation have changed the profile and behaviour of the Irish Diaspora

• The Irish community in New York have transcended traditional models of Diaspora

Beyond Diaspora

• Today, the phrase Irish Diaspora is a 20thcentury definition out of joint with a 21st Century phenomenon.

From Compulsion to Choice

• Emigration is now a lifestyle choice for most Irish migrants rather than a necessity.

• Many of those who leave, do not have to decide when, (or even if) they will return.

Creeping Emigration

• Definitions of emigration can creep up unexpectedly after roots are put down in the host country, while psychological decisions about emigration can be avoided.

• Citizenship is an example as the Irish can take up US citizenship without giving up Irish citizenship.

Globalisation and Irish in NY

• Global communications have revolutionised life for the Irish in New York City.

9/11 and the War on Terror:

• Post 9/11 anti-terrorist legislation has been viewed by Irish-American groups as harmful to Irish community across the US.

Driving License Renewal

• The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in New York are checking the authenticity of social security numbers in driving license applications. Those who have false social security numbers face being refused driving licenses and this may lead to them losing their jobs. Many are leaving the US and going back to Ireland as a result.

Collateral Damage

• The Irish in New York have claimed that immigrant communities are being squeezed post 9/11 and becoming part of the collateral damage of the 'war on terror'.

Current Attitudes

• Pragmatism is the key attitude of the Irish in New York today.

• There remains the option, perhaps intention, of returning to Ireland if things go wrong.

Conclusion

• Many of those who arrive in New York from Ireland today are young, mobile, relatively affluent and transient.

• Crucially, these people do not make the psychological decision to emigrate at the point of their departure from Ireland.