Students concerned after US officials order those travelling on JI visa to set social media profiles to public
New US visa screening protocols now require international students, including Irish students travelling on a J1 visa, to adjust the privacy settings on all their social media profiles to public.
Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éirinn (Amlé), formerly the Union of Students in Ireland, has raised serious concern over the new screening protocols introduced this week.
The US State Department announced it would now 'conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants' under the new guidance.
Amlé president Chris Clifford said the measures 'send a damaging signal to young people globally and undermine the principles of openness and educational exchange'.
These restrictions are likely to deter students who wish to pursue academic opportunities in the United States, particularly those who may already face systemic barriers to international mobility, he added.
The new screening protocols applies to those on F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas.
Irish students tend to travel to the US on J1 visas, with many understood to have already arrived in the States after travelling earlier in the summer.
However, the new screening process will apply if students travel outside of, and return to, the States while on their visa, and to those who have yet to embark on their travels to the States.
Amlé is now calling on the Irish Government to engage directly with US counterparts 'to advocate for student rights and ensure Irish students are not subject to excessive or discriminatory vetting practices".
The union said it was continuing to monitor developments closely, and urged affected students to seek support from their institutions or student unions.
'We also advise all students travelling to the US this summer on a J1 visa to stay informed, stay safe, and be aware of their rights throughout their trip.'
The update from the US State Department said: 'To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to 'public'.'
'Our overseas posts will resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon. Applicants should check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability.'
'Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,' it added.
Updated information from the Department of Foreign Affairs said the majority of visits to the United States pass 'without difficulty'.
'The US authorities may ask to search your electronic devices, such as your phones, computers or tablets, when you are entering the United States.'
'They may request your passwords and they are not required to provide a reason for doing so. If you refuse, they may deny you entry to the United States.'
"Furthermore, the US authorities have indicated they may consider activity on social media when making decisions about your immigration status,' it added.
'The US authorities have indicated this includes applicants for lawful permanent residence status and student visa holders.'
As an Irish citizen, if you are detained, you have the right to contact the Embassy of Ireland or the nearest Consulate General of Ireland, according to the advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
"To do so, you must request that the Embassy of Ireland or the nearest Consulate General of Ireland be informed of your detention."
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