Shandon's Rev Farr says proposed citizenship rules could split up her family
Reverend Meghan Farr, a US-born priest serving in Cork, Ireland, warns that proposed changes to citizenship laws could force her family to leave the country. The new rules would extend the residency requirement for naturalization, potentially causing her son to 'age out' of his visa status.
Why it matters
The story illustrates the personal impact of immigration policy changes on skilled workers and their families.
The church had struggled to fill her position, with no suitable candidates identified until Meghan applied. Over the past four years she has overseen major repair works to the iconic church buliding. Picture: Larry Cummins.
Amy Campbell The priest in charge of one of Cork's most iconic landmarks has said the proposed new citizenship laws could split up her family.
Reverend Meghan Farr, the priest-in-charge of world-famous St Anne’s Church in Shandon has criticised the new laws proposed by Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan, which will increase the length of time a person must live in Ireland to be eligible for citizenship, from five to eight years.
Rev Farr moved to Cork from the US in June 2022 on a special visa with her husband and three sons to take up the post, which also includes serving as chaplain to St Luke’s Care Home in Blackrock.
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