J1 visa vital for Irish students
J1 visa vital for Irish students - The Labour Party
Labour’s Further and Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Laura Harmon has expressed concern about the new US visa rules which will force applicants to reveal all social media usernames for the past five years, calling it excessive and intrusive.
Senator Harmon said:
“The J1 programme is a cornerstone of the friendship between Ireland and the United States. Each year, thousands of young Irish people work in the US hospitality and tourism industry, bringing energy and skills that benefit local economies and strengthen cultural ties. These heavy-handed new rules could deter students from applying and erode trust in a system that has worked well for generations.
“Let’s be honest: the only thing that is ever certain with Donald Trump’s administration is uncertainty. Policies like these sudden social media checks will cause confusion and fear among applicants. It sends the wrong message to young Irish people who want to broaden their horizons and build experience abroad.
“We must remember that forcing people to hand over years of personal online activity creates a chilling effect. People may feel they cannot speak freely or express themselves openly online. This is an unwelcome interference in private life and a step too far for any fair visa system.
“It is welcome that Tánaiste Simon Harris has said he will raise this issue with the US Ambassador, but words alone are not enough. He must make it crystal clear that this is an excessive, unjustified intrusion into people’s lives. An Tánaiste must ensure that the US hears Ireland’s concerns loudly and clearly.”