‘I am pro-Palestine and pro-Ukraine' – students cancel their J1 US trips in protest at Trump visa rules

Irish Independent

6 days ago

Representatives from AMLÉ – the newly branded Students Union of Ireland – have issued guidance on J1 applications as the US government clamps down on students entering the country.
The Irish Independent spoke to several students who have already scrapped their US trips because of concerns over freedom of speech.
US embassies around the world have been told to pause new visa interviews until further notice. Those who have had applications processed already will not be affected.
The latest step comes after the US administration rolled out social media screening, particularly focused on students who have taken part in pro-Palestine protests.
The Irish Independent spoke to Aoife (not her real name), a 21-year-old student from Co Cork, who cancelled her trip with two friends. They lost nearly €1,000 each.
The three women were unable to shake off fears about potential restrictions on speaking out online.
AMLÉ has told students across Ireland that if they have already been accepted on J1s to the US, there is 'no need for concern'. It urged those who want to apply to do so as soon as possible.
However, it also said it 'acknowledges growing concerns around political expression, social media monitoring and student safety'.
Some students maintain perceptions that a backlash against free speech could in some way affect their future.
I strongly feel freedom of speech is very important and that the youth of today have a way of being able to get a message across
'I am pro-Palestine and pro-Ukraine,' Aoife said. 'Myself and my two best friends decided several months ago that it would be great to go to the US, so we signed up to the J1 process.'
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However, the friends' excitement soured when Donald Trump won the presidential race.
After his inauguration he introduced strict protocols that meant students' phones and social media could be checked when entering the US.
'That changed everything for us,' Aoife said. 'This trip that we'd been so excited about wasn't the same any more.
'People were being deported, their phones were being checked and there was a restriction on free speech.
'The more we heard, the more we said, 'Oh my God, let's sit down and think about this'.'
Aoife had secured a service job in a 'lovely restaurant' and her friends had gained similar employment.
However, there was a constant air of anxiety about the trip, and just a few weeks ago they made the call to cancel.
'We'd spent a lot of money, but the entire landscape of America has changed,' Aoife said. 'My parents said they'd support us in what we wanted to do. They said they just wanted us to be safe.
'I strongly feel freedom of speech is very important and that the youth of today have a way of being able to get a message across. It's a very powerful voice, and to not be able to use it is appalling.
'I don't go to protests, but I support Palestinians and Ukrainians and I post my views on Instagram. It's very important to be able to express those opinions without fear of backlash.
'We wouldn't want anything we'd said on Instagram or anything we'd spoken about to be used against us. I did really think the US election would go a different way.'
There's so much to love in Europe. I think some students won't visit America now at all until Trump is gone
Now, instead of going on her J1 to the US, Aoife is taking time out in Barcelona. Her friends are also exploring Europe.
Other students have said Europe is becoming more appealing against the backdrop of the US stance this summer.
One said: 'A lot of students just won't go to the US now. It's not worth it. Many of us support Palestine and we don't agree with the US take on Gaza at all.
'We don't agree with the attempt to control free speech. America just isn't an attractive country for us right now and there's so much to love in Europe. I think some students won't visit America now at all until Trump is gone.'
Aoife said that while she and her friends are glad they made the choice they did, despite losing a substantial sum of money, they understand other students still want to go.
'I'd advise them to just take care and to make sure they're well prepared for all eventualities. There's so much anxiety around this issue for students,' she said.
AMLÉ president Chris Clifford said: 'Irish students should not be discouraged from pursuing cultural exchange programmes. Those who've already applied can proceed with confidence.
'For those intending to apply, we recommend acting quickly and maintaining contact with your provider. AMLÉ will continue to support and advocate for all students involved in the J1 programme.'
AMLÉ remains in communication with stakeholders and continues to monitor developments closely. Students with concerns were encouraged to reach out directly for support.