‘Beliefs should not affect US visa’, says Cork students' union

The right to protest against Israel’s actions in Palestine, the rights of trans people, and other key issues should not impact whether Irish students can travel to the US for summer work, University College Cork’s (UCC) students’ union has said.

UCC’s communications and engagement officer, Eoin O’Donnell, was speaking after the US State Department issued an order on Tuesday night compelling US embassies to pause work on the processing of applications to travel to the US on J1 and other student visas.

The order, from the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, suggests that the pause is to facilitate a review of social-media policy by US Immigration officials. There have been reports of J1 visa applicants being refused due to pro-Palestinian, anti-Israel activity on their social-media accounts.

Mr O’Donnell said that the students of the university had made their positions ‘crystal clear’ on issues relating to Palestine and trans rights. “We are seeing, again, a decision from the Trump administration cracking down globally on freedom of speech,” he said.

“Students shouldn’t be in a position where their right to protest is impacting going J1 and we stand with students who will navigate these new processes.”

The union advises J1 visa applicants and holders “to be careful when entering the US and to be cautious of invasive border checks. This means not taking a chance on immigration law and minding themselves throughout their trip and specifically when travelling.”

A travel advisory issued by Aontas na Macléinn in Éirinn (AMLÉ)/Union of Students Ireland provided updated guidance to students who either already applied and had been accepted or those who were planning to put in an application.

While the work to process applications has been paused, students who have a visa sponsor and who have yet to apply should do so as soon as possible and keep in contact with the sponsor.

AMLÉ president Chris Clifford said that the J1 programme continued to be a vital cultural opportunity for Irish students. “AMLÉ is committed to safeguarding that experience for all participants,” he said.

“At the same time, AMLÉ acknowledges growing concerns around political expression, social-media monitoring, and student safety.

“We call on both US and Irish authorities to provide clear, consistent information to protect students’ rights and ensure their safety while abroad.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that officials had been in contact with the US embassy on the matter.

“It is important to recall that US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities,” a DFA spokesperson said. “We will continue to monitor this unfolding situation very closely.”