Students Warned Of The Risks Of Activism On J1s This Summer
Students Warned Of The Risks Of Activism On J1s This Summer
Text: Izzy Copestake
“it is important that students fully understand the possible consequences for their visa status”
The Union Of Students Ireland have warned students of the “potential risks” of engaging in activism while on a J1 visa in the United States. This advice has been issued after a number of international students studying in the US were arrested, detained, and even threatened with deportation after attending pro-Palestine protests. Since taking office, Trump’s immigration-related executive orders
The J1 is considered a rite of passage for students across the country, as the visa enables full-time college students to work and live in the United States for up to four months during their summer break.
In the official statement, the Union Of Students has condemned this threat to protest and free speech, stating: “Any actions that threaten students’ ability to freely express their views are deeply concerning and undermine the principles of free speech and democratic engagement.
However, the USI added: “At the same time, we urge students to be cautious and informed about the potential risks involved in activism while on a J1 visa. 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.”
The union has also urged US and Irish authorities to clarify these issues, so Irish students know their rights and responsibilities before summer.
In a statement to RTE, Fiona McEntee founder of McEntee Law Group, has said that she has been inundated by worried parents ahead of their child’s J1 in the US this summer. One things she highlighted is immigration officers right to check individual’s phones. She stressed that officials could now be searching for activity considered to be anti-Semitic, anti-American or anti-Trump.
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