Top stories from Irish Times Abroad this week

Around 35 million people in America claim Irish heritage, but immigration reform campaigners have long argued that the number of visas allocated to us does not reflect this strong historic link. The Government claims to be close to a landmark visa deal that could allow thousands of Irish people to live and work there, in exchange for allowing more Americans to retire in Ireland. What do you think of the proposal? We're looking to hear your views. Click here to contribute, or email abroad@irishtimes.com.

The US midterm elections have dominated the agenda this week. Irish people living there shared their views with us as votes were cast on Tuesday: "I see this as a vote on the kind of country I want my son and daughter to live in - one full of hatred, or full of understanding," wrote one father in New Jersey.

Recruitment agencies are getting creative in their attempts to fill skills shortages in Ireland, with one announcing free flights home this week for Irish workers in Australia if they return to fill vacancies in certain sectors. You can read more about the initiative here.

And as the Armistice centenary is commemorated worldwide this weekend, we remember Flora Sandes, the only British woman - with a strong Irish connection too - to officially serve in an allied army during the first World War.

From a childhood in Coolock to running a monastery retreat in Denmark

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‘When you go to England you’ll get a bicycle, they said. I never did’

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Irish in America: What do you think of the proposed E3 visa deal?

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You'll find plenty more stories by and about the Irish diaspora this week on irishtimes.com/abroad.

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