Think Immigration: When Irish Eyes are Crying - Remembering our Beloved Immigration Advocate Billy Lawless

Recently in Chicago, William “Billy” Noel Lawless was laid to rest. Billy died on Friday, November 8 at the age of 73.

Billy was many things to many people. To me, he was my cherished friend and mentor. He was also a celebrated restaurateur, a tireless advocate for immigrant rights, and a former (and the first) Senator for the Diaspora of Ireland.

After immigrating to the United States from Ireland in his late 40s, Billy built a lasting legacy in Chicago’s hospitality industry, employing hundreds of people in treasured establishments like the Irish Oak, The Gage, The Dearborn, and others.

In addition to achieving success in his field, Billy discovered something even more profound in Chicago - his calling as an immigration activist. This passion was sparked as he poured pints and listened to countless stories from hardworking patrons. Many had overstayed their visas and were unable to travel home (and return), even in the event of a close relative's death. Despite their significant contributions to this country as contractors, entrepreneurs, and job creators, their undocumented status posed a substantial obstacle in their lives. Billy quickly recognized that the struggles faced by the Irish immigrants he encountered were part of a much larger, deeply flawed immigration system - and he decided to see if he could change it.

Billy’s passion for change led him to co-found and chair the Chicago Celts for Immigration Reform. He also co-founded and served as a board member of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (IBIC), which later evolved into the American Business Immigration Coalition - a bipartisan network of over 1,400 businesses and associations championing sensible immigration reform. In addition, Billy contributed his expertise and dedication as a longtime board member of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR). Through these roles, Billy became a powerful voice for fair and pragmatic immigration policies.

Billy’s efforts helped Illinois become the first state to grant driver’s licenses to undocumented immigrants. His advocacy was relentless, and his approach was especially effective due to his commitment to bipartisanship. Billy knew that to accomplish real change, he needed to work with leaders across the political spectrum. With his quick wit and unwavering integrity, he had a knack for connecting with people who would ordinarily disagree. And he didn’t just work for Irish immigrants. He brought the Irish voice to the table but made sure to campaign for comprehensive immigration reform that would benefit all immigrants and the America we all hold dear.

Billy’s accomplishments were celebrated far and wide and in October 2021 he received the Irish Presidential Distinguished Service Award for the Irish Abroad. In 2015, Billy was AILA Chicago’s Immigrant Achievement Award Honoree.

His advocacy also caught the eye of President Obama. In 2014, Billy was handpicked by President Obama to introduce him in Chicago when he expanded DACA and added DAPA, which, as we know, sadly never saw the light of day.

President Obama said Billy and his son Billy Jr. exemplified what he was trying to do empowering immigrants. “Together, they have gone from employing ten workers to employing more than 250 workers and you just heard what Billy said: ‘This is what immigrants do.’”

Billy’s honesty, compassion, and determination left a mark on those he encountered. He treated everyone he met with empathy and respect, whether they were U.S. Senators, the Taoiseach of Ireland, or the undocumented immigrants he welcomed into his bar. Billy spent his life in service to others and to his values.

His loss is deeply felt, especially by his wife Anne, his children Clodagh, Amy, Billy Jr., and John Paul, and their spouses and children. Billy’s work reaches far beyond Chicago and Ireland. It touches every individual he fought for and every community he strengthened. I’m honored to have worked alongside him for many years.

In light of the recent election results, I am reminded that Billy didn’t see all (or even that many) of the immigration reforms for which we fought. And looking back, we often had more downs than ups in our work. But Billy was undeterred. He kept going, he never gave up, and he helped influence the narrative around immigration.

As my friend and fellow AILA member Kendra Scheuerlein so aptly said “The world is a better place because Billy Lawless was in it. The Chicago community will feel this loss and continue in his work to advocate for a better future.”

I’m so grateful to have known Billy and to have shared in his vision. I will carry on the lessons he taught me. Heavy is the torch that Billy has left behind, but I know that we can carry it… together.

Thank you, Billy Lawless, for everything. May you rest in the eternal peace you so richly deserve.

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If you’d like to sign the online condolence book for Billy Lawless, you can do so here: https://www.michalikfuneralhome.com/obituary/william-billy-lawless

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