Students should not be ‘deprived’ of US visas for protesting, says deputy Ireland PM
Tánaiste Simon Harris has voiced concern over recent changes to US visa rules, saying students should not be denied a J1 visa for expressing views on global injustices.
His comments follow the US Embassy in Dublin’s announcement that applicants for J1 visas will now be subject to stricter social media scrutiny.
Under the new policy, all student and exchange visitor applicants must disclose their social media handles and make their profiles public. Failure to comply could lead to visa denial.
A US State Department official explained that consular officers are conducting more extensive checks across all student and exchange visa categories, including F, M, and J classifications. The aim, according to the embassy, is to screen out individuals who may pose security threats or hold anti-American views. It emphasised that entry into the US is a privilege, not a right.
Critics, including Ireland’s national student union, have condemned the updated vetting process as an excessive invasion of privacy. They argue it infringes on freedom of expression and could deter students from speaking out on important global issues.
After meeting with US Ambassador to Ireland Ed Walsh, Harris said they had “a really good conversation” about the visa situation. He reiterated his belief that peaceful protest and free expression should not jeopardise a student’s opportunity to participate in cultural exchange programs like the J1.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
