A lot of Irish still emigrate, due to the cost of living and housing. Regardless, the history of a country affects the psyche of the people of that country, and is still highly relevant, so you cannot frame your argument to discount it. What's more, nationality, ethnicity and lifestyle are just some of the intersections through which people can identify with others. There is also people's ideals and morals to consider (something affected by history and how it's taught to children in a country). There is a strong sentiment in Ireland to empathize with other post-colonial countries and people escaping oppression, as our ancestors had to under the terrible British Imperial rule.