‘Disappointing' blow for Irish students amid J1 visa appointment ban as fresh ‘delete' social media warning issued
Thousands of students from Ireland flock to The States to work every summer on the visa.
However, a new crackdown from US President
The directive will also impact students hoping to study abroad as foreign exchange students on the M or F visas.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio instructed foreign embassies via a cable to stop taking new appointments amid a plan to expand the social media vetting of foreign students.
Appointments already scheduled will be allowed to proceed but Ireland will now be unable to offer further embassy appointments as part of the interview process.
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This means students who already have secured visas or appointments for this summer will be mostly unaffected.
However, those who had yet to secure their visa may face delays of days or weeks.
Speaking to
He told RTE: "We understand there's some students out there that may feel concerned about the potential delays
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"We want to assure that those students who have already scheduled their interviews shouldn't be affected"
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'
"And the most of you who have already begun the process as well will more than likely see it through."
"For those who are applying in the coming days it's important to be aware there might be some delays and we encourage them to remain patient and stay in close contact with their local provider and to keep the conversation going as they progress."
He added: "There's a lot of student that are eager to go across on their J1s.
"Once again we have to remind them if they're apply for their visa their social media accounts and their travel documentation, to be very truthful and honest when it comes to this and protect themselves where they can.
"Overall it's going to be disappointing for some students."
Around 5,000 Irish students avail of the J1 visa each year to spend their summer in the
Multiple warnings have been issued to those hoping to travel over the
The USI previously warned: "While activism is a vital part of student life and a right that should be protected, it is important that students fully understand the possible consequences for their visa status, including the risk of deportation, and take steps to safeguard their participation in such activities."
FRESH ACTIVITY WARNINGS
And Michael Doorley owner of SAYIT Travel has said speaking to students already in America the majority have not encountered difficulties while passing through immigration.
However, he is still warning students they may need to "delete" certain social media activity.
He told RTE: "We're in touch with them everyday, the students who are already out there. It's really just be careful with your phone and your social media.
"If they have history on their mobile phones of social activity that wouldn't please the American situation just delete.
"And don't start using your phone while you're in America on social media activity that wouldn't comply with american policy worldwide at the minute."
1
Some students may miss out
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