Why This Nurse Chose To Self-Deport After 40 Years in The U.S.
On July 21, 2025, 69-year-old nurse Matthew Morrison left the United States for his native Ireland after working in healthcare in Missouri for approximately 40 years. According to reports, Morrison’s decision to depart was influenced by concerns related to his immigration status, following a scheduled check-in with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in St. Louis.
Morrison’s immigration case has been complex. He was a former member of the Irish Republican Army, immigrated to the U.S. in 1985 after serving prison time in Northern Ireland during The Troubles for attempted murder. He arrived on a tourist visa, married an American citizen, and eventually overstayed his visa. Despite decades of work as a psychiatric nurse in Missouri and raising a family, his past IRA affiliation prevented him from obtaining permanent legal status. Although deportation proceedings were halted in 2000 as part of a broader peace effort, he remained under immigration restrictions and regular check-ins. Facing renewed fears of deportation in 2025, Morrison chose to leave the U.S. voluntarily and return to his native Ireland after 40 years.
Immigration and Healthcare
The case has drawn attention due to Morrison’s long career in American healthcare and its implications for the nursing workforce. According to the Migration Policy Institute (2023), immigrants make up approximately 18% of the U.S. healthcare workforce, totaling around 2.6 million workers nationwide. This includes a significant number of registered nurses who contribute to care delivery across various settings.
While Morrison’s specific case involves unique legal and historical considerations, it contributes to broader discussions about immigration’s role in the healthcare labor market. Professional organizations have called for policies that address the immigration status of long-term healthcare workers, particularly those with decades of service.
As of August 2025, Morrison has returned to Ireland. No public legal proceedings were initiated against him at the time of his departure.
