The Ancient Order of Hibernians has bestowed a prestigious National Immigration Award upon former New York Supreme Court Justice John Collins, honoring his historic role as National Chairman of the American Irish Immigration Committee, when he led the fight against the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, which, according to an AOH release, "devastated legal Irish immigration."
The award, signed by AOH National President Sean Pender, was presented on June 24th at an event at the Heritage and hosted by Bronx County Hibernians.
The event featured tributes by New York State President Thomas Beirne and National Immigration Chair Dan Dennehy.
According to the release, Judge Collins had recently applied to transfer to Bronx County AOH and Hibernians began planning to mark the occasion by giving him a long overdue, special honor.
"The son of County Limerick immigrants, he had served as Vice-President of the United Irish Counties, President of the Limerick Association, a key Hibernian in New York County as well as Administrative Judge Bronx Supreme Court.
"However Judge Collins was honored for his leadership as a champion of the Irish immigrant community during critical years."
In opening the ceremony Bronx County President Martin Galvin said: “The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, based on national population numbers, without regard for historic Irish contributions to America, virtually closed the door on legal Irish immigration. The Irish community and its organizations joined together to launch a Congressional counterattack.
“Judge John Collins was elected as National Chairman of the American Irish Immigration Committee to lead and be the driving force in this counterattack. He held this position for seven years, campaigning across the United States, lobbying American political leaders and testifying in Congressional hearings.
“Under his leadership, the Irish community achieved a bill in Congress which would have reopened legal immigration for the Irish. This bill passed in the House of Representatives, but fell short of getting Senate passage.
“A simple look at the index of Ray O’Hanlon’s definitive book ‘Unintended Consequences: The Story of Irish Immigration to the U.S. and How America’s Door was Closed to the Irish’ shows entry after entry about Judge Collins, traveling across the country, winning national support and bringing the campaign to the brink of success during this period. For all of that the AOH is proud to honor him today."
AOH National Immigration Chair Dan Dennehy presented Judge Collins with the National Immigration Award, signed by President Sean Pender, along with an AOH Immigration Pin, and a copy of Ray O’Hanlon’s aforementioned book.
Dennehy said: “As a young activist in the late 1980s, I had yet to realize how Judge Collins had blazed the path that led to our success with the Irish Immigration Reform Movement, the Morrison Visa Program, and the continued vital work of the Emerald Isle Immigration Center.
"Every Irish American owes him a debt of gratitude, and I am proud that AOH National President Sean Pender, NY State President Tom Beirne, Emerald Isle Immigration Executive Director Siobhan Dennehy, Bronx County President Martin Galvin, and our assembled Bronx and Westchester Officers and members, have joined in this recognition."
Continued the release: "New York State President Thomas Beirne spoke about Judge Collins’ role within the New York County AOH. The judge had been a key advisor to his father Frankie Beirne, giving guidance and support during critical years when his father served as Chairman of the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He also made a special presentation on behalf of New York State Hibernians, connected with the historic Fighting 69th Regiment.
"In accepting the award Judge Collins referred to the Hibernian motto of 'friendship, unity and Christian charity' and gave examples of individuals he had come to know through the AOH who personified these enduring virtues. Such values are more important than ever in today’s world.
"He noted the key role of the AOH as a national organization, able to mobilize and fight the battles of today’s Irish issues, which still include fair immigration laws for the Irish and freedom for all of Ireland."
