Latest news with #J1
Extra.ie
4 days ago
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Trump halts student visa appointments and instigates expanded social media vetting
Irish students' planned trips to the US over the summer could be scuppered as the Trump administration rolls out social media screening of applicants. Embassies and consulates have been ordered to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants as the US State Department prepares to expand social media vetting of foreign students. Even students who have already successfully obtained a J1 Visa could see themselves grilled by US Border Control Officers and questioned about their political persuasions, and also about the war in Gaza, as well as their personal opinions on the President. US president Donald Trump. Pic: Doug Mills-Pool/Getty Images About 5,000 Irish students are expected to travel on J1 visas this summer, a similar number to last year. A cable from the US State Department to embassies – reported by Reuters – states that it is 'conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants, and, based on that review, plans to issue guidance on expanded social media vetting for all such applicants'. The move has led to a freeze on all visa interview appointments at US embassies across the world. But appointments that have already been made will be honoured. Taoiseach Micheál Martin with US president Donald Trump. Pic: Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images Commenting on the news, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said: 'I believe in the mobility of young people across the world, and we should facilitate the mobility of young people. We do it in Europe very well and very effectively. There shouldn't be any overzealous examinations of people's records.' However, recent reports emanating from high-profile social media stars and online streamers anecdotally point to a clampdown at the point of entry across US airports. Irish students who participated in college encampments could find themselves falling afoul of Trump's new tightening of border control. Earlier this month, Hasan Piker, a popular left-wing political commentator and Twitch streamer, said he was detained and questioned by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents upon his return to the US from France. Hasan Piker. Pic:for Politicon Piker, who is a naturalised US citizen, claimed he was stopped and questioned by CBP agents at Chicago's O'Hare as he returned from a family trip to France. The social media personality recounted the experience on his Twitch stream, detailing how he was hauled in by Customs and Border Control agents and questioned about his political views, including his stance on Donald Trump and his stance on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Piker expressed concerns about the nature of the questioning, suggesting that it went beyond routine border security procedures and alleged he was targeted over his overt political views. This claim was, however, denied by the U.S Department of Homeland and Security who said on their X stream that it was just a random 'routine stop'. Hasan Piker. Pic: Hagop Kalaidjian/BFA/REX/Shutterstock The incident sparked a lot of discussion and debate about the role of CBP in enforcing political opinions and the rights of citizens entering the country. Piker mentioned that he is enrolled in Global Entry, a program designed to expedite travel for low-risk individuals, and he was still subjected to this intense questioning. The White House visa clampdown comes as Donald Trump continues his war on academies with gusto. Last week, the US President cancelled all foreign students from enrolling at elite institution, Harvard University, a move that has enraged Boston College and has led to another court battle for the bullish U.S President.
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
‘I am pro-Palestine and pro-Ukraine' – students cancel their J1 US trips in protest at Trump visa rules
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.' ADVERTISEMENT 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.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Irish Sun
‘Disappointing' blow for Irish students amid J1 visa appointment ban as fresh ‘delete' social media warning issued
THOUSANDS of Irish young people fresh face J1 delay issues after a major crackdown on embassy interviews. 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. READ MORE IN TRAVEL 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 Most read in News Travel "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 Credit: Getty Images
Irish Examiner
5 days ago
- Business
- Irish Examiner
ieExplains: Trump is pausing new student visa appointments. What does this mean for the J1?
What's happening? US president Donald Trump's administration has ordered its missions abroad to stop scheduling new appointments for student and exchange visitor visa applicants. It comes as the US State Department prepares to expand social media vetting of foreign students, according to an internal cable. The order was issued on Tuesday, signed by the US secretary of state Marco Rubio. How will it work? The cable, first reported by Politico, states: 'The department is conducting a review of existing operations and processes for screening and vetting of student and exchange visitor visa applicants.' Officials plan to issue guidance on 'expanded social media vetting for all such applicants'. Under the screening process, consular officers would examine applicants' posts, shares, and comments across platforms such as Instagram, X, and TikTok for content they deem to be "threatening" to national security. What does it mean for Irish students? It is believed those who have already received their J1 visas for the US this summer are unlikely to be impacted. The pause is on new interviews, but many of the approximately 5,000 Irish students who typically go on J1s to the US will have already been interviewed. Students who have already scheduled their embassy interviews will be exempt from the pause. What have J1 visa organisers said? The owner of SAYIT Travel, a company that specialises in J1 visas and summer jobs for Irish students, has urged any new applicants to be aware of their social media comments. Michael Doorley told RTÉ it was "out there for students to understand if they have history on their mobile phones, of some maybe social activity that wouldn't please the American situation, just delete or whatever". Usit, which also specialises in international recruitment and work abroad programmes, has been contacted for comment What has the Government done so far? The Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday announced a partnership with Usit to assist those going on a J1. Tánaiste Simon Harris said: "The J1 experience is the opportunity of a lifetime for thousands of young people but it is important that students take the time to research where they are travelling to and ensure they comply with the laws abroad." In a statement to the Irish Examiner, the Department of Foreign Affairs said: "We are aware of reports that the US has instructed its diplomatic missions globally to pause new appointments for interviews for certain categories [of] visas, including student visas. "It is important to recall that US immigration policy is a matter for the US authorities. "DFA officials have been in contact with the US embassy on the matter, to assess possible impact on our citizens, in particular on students planning to travel in the coming months. We will continue to monitor this unfolding situation very closely. "Our understanding at this stage is that existing appointments have not been cancelled and that new applicants can continue to submit applications." What are TDs saying? The Social Democrats have said the move was "deeply worrying". Jen Cummins, who is the party's spokesperson on higher education, said: 'This decision marks a troubling step backwards for America as a global leader in higher education. Universities should be spaces where young people are encouraged to think critically, exchange ideas, and challenge the status quo, without fear that a tweet or a comment will threaten their academic future or ability to travel to the US. This deeply worrying measure will be of concern to international and Irish J1 students, as well as anyone who values freedom of thought and open debate. She added: 'Travelling to the US on a J1 visa has been a right of passage for countless Irish students over the years. The Irish Government must now use every possible diplomatic channel with Washington to have this deeply unjust decision reversed.' Labour spokeswoman Senator Laura Harmon said many students were now "in limbo" after the decision. "We've heard many students are already questioning whether they should proceed with their plans to go to the US. They're aware of the political history of the Trump administration and the tone it has taken in the past. "It's important to remember that this isn't just about logistics — it's about trust and confidence." Read More Trump administration halts scheduling of new student visa appointments
RTÉ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RTÉ News
Current J1 visa holders should not be hit by US pause
Irish students who have already received their J1 visas for the US this summer should not be impacted by the pause scheduling new visa interviews for foreign students. Around 5,000 Irish students avail of the J1 initiative every summer. The owner of a travel company which specialises in student travel and visas said that very few students are at the beginning of their visa applications. Michael Doorley said his company, SAYIT Travel, has also spoken to students who are currently in the US and said they have experienced no problems travelling there. Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said that "practically all the students who intend to travel to America are through, and very few are lined up to start their process. So it won't really affect very much of the Irish students this year." The Trump administration ordered US embassies around the world to pause scheduling new visa interviews for foreign students. The State Department instructed embassies abroad, including in Ireland, to halt student or exchange visitor visa appointments - such as for F, M and J visa programmes - until further guidance is issued. Students who have already scheduled their embassy interviews will be exempt from the pause. However, those applying in the coming days may experience a delay in the application process. Mr Doorley said it is not yet certain how the pause will affect students who might be planning to travel to the US in the autumn for undergraduate or post-graduate studies. He also said that for the first time his company is also including advisories for students about their social media use while in the US, following the advice already issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Last week, the Department of Foreign Affairs updated travel advice for Irish citizens visiting the US, warning of possible "serious consequences" for those who fail to cooperate with border officials or provide inaccurate information. Officials said that failure to adhere to immigration law could lead to refusal of entry at the border, detention and possible removal from the US. Mr Doorley said the news is "out there for students to understand if they have history on their mobile phones, of some maybe social activity that wouldn't please the American situation, just delete or whatever." He said students travelling to the US for summer work are vital for the tourist industry there, adding that he had met six representatives from New England yesterday, who told him how crucial the J1 students are for tourism.
