Several Irish students are reevaluating their travel plans to the US due to fears surrounding freedom of speech and new visa restrictions. With US embassies halting new visa interviews, many students, including Aoife from Co Cork, have canceled their J1 trips, incurring significant financial losses. The Irish Students Union (AMLE) urged students to apply promptly for J1 visas if accepted but acknowledged growing concerns over political expression and student safety in America. The current political climate and heightened scrutiny over social media disclosures contribute to these apprehensions.
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.
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 country.
Collection
[
|
...
]