Harris ‘concerned' by new ‘effective immediately' US visa rules as Tanaiste outlines 3 actions amid ‘chilling' blast

The Irish Sun

7 hours ago

TAOISEACH Micheal Martin has revealed he does not agree with new US visa rules targeting students as part of Donald Trump's crackdown.
And Simon Harris has confirmed he has serious concerns over the move.
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Speaking at Dublin's Convention Centre last night Martin disagreed with the move
Credit: Cate McCurry/PA Wire
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The US embassy in Dublin issued a stark alert to those wishing to travel
Credit: Getty Images
New advice will hit those applying for the the F, M, and J classifications, including the popular J1 visa.
Issuing an update on the changes to the visa application process
Changes now mean anyone applying for a visa must have their
In a notice the US embassy in
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They said: "Effective immediately, all individuals applying for an F, M, or J nonimmigrant visa are requested to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media accounts to 'public' to facilitate vetting necessary to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States under U.S. law."
The embassy said applicants may still submit visa applications and attend scheduled interviews, but they may be ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States.
Students in Ireland have been warned of online activism for months by travel experts and officials here, amid ongoing efforts by Trump's administration to vet applicants' social media.
The Taoiseach said: "I believe the measures now facing students seeking US visas are excessive, I don't approve of them and I don't agree with them.
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"One of the great things in the modern world has been the capacity for young people to travel."
We fled America for one of Europe's cheapest places - our monthly expenses for 2 fell to $1.5k & we 'don't need a visa'
He continued: "There is an issue around freedom of speech but it's more the atmosphere that's created by these measures, the fear and the anxiety that young people will now experience travelling."
He also revealed while speaking at the Convention Centre in Dublin yesterday that J1 applications are down at the moment.
And amid the new rule change, that tightens restrictions even further,
The Tanaiste, who is also Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and Minister for Defence, said he is "very concerned".
He explained: "I am very concerned by the updated advice, set out in a formal notice from the US State Department, in regard to expanded vetting of the social media accounts of new applicants for student visas to travel to the US.
"While US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities and I fully respect the administration's right to determine their own immigration policy, this decision has understandably caused deep concern, confusion and apprehension for young Irish people who may wish to travel to the United States.
"Our relationship with the United States is deep and enduring. Importantly it also sees thousands of people travel in both directions every year.
"The intergenerational, people-to-people relationship between the US and Ireland begins with the opportunities that both countries afford to young people. It is important that we work to protect this."
KEY MOVES
Simon Harris has already outlined three moves he plans to take to ease tensions for young
The Tanaiste has already been in contact with the US embassy here and US administration to provide as much clarity as possible on the new rules.
He has also instructed his officials to engage with third-level institutions that provide services for students who wish to travel with the United States so that clear guidance and support can be offered.
He explained: "Last night, I have asked my officials to engage directly with the US embassy here in Dublin and with the administration more widely in a bid to ascertain and provide as much clarity as possible about these new arrangements, particularly to those students who are due to travel in the coming months.
"I also asked my officials to engage with third-level institutions and organisations that provide services for students who wish to travel with the United States.
"This will be with the clear aim of providing as much clarity as possible on the impact of these new arrangements, relevant guidance and furthermore assessing what possible supports can be provided to young people who wish to travel to the United States in the coming months."
A US Ambassador to Ireland set to take up his post next month, with Harris aiming to raise the issue with him then.
'HEAVY-HANDED RULES'
The move has also sparked concern among other political figures who have blasted Trump's administration and the "chilling" new move.
Labour's Further and Higher Education Spokesperson Senator Laura Harmon said the new moves may leave people feeling as though they can't express themselves online.
She said: "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."
She added: "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."