Irish citizens urged to prepare for international travel as consular cases rise
Consular assistance cases handled by the Department of Foreign Affairs have increased by 22% this year compared to the same period last year.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris said the rise in the number of people contacting the department for help underlines the importance of "personal and practical preparation for international travel".
Consular assistance is provided by Ireland's embassies or consulates to its citizens abroad, especially in emergencies, such as arrests, accidents or lost passports.
The department has launched an initiative to encourage young people to 'Make the Right Memories' by staying safe, informed and connected while travelling abroad.
Officials have also updated travel advice for Irish citizens visiting the United States, warning of possible "serious consequences" for those who fail to cooperate with border officials or provide inaccurate information.
"Previous convictions in the United States, misleading information about the purpose of your stay, entry without inspection, or even a slight overstay during travel can have serious consequences," the department said on in its website.
It cautioned that authorities may search electronic devices - including phones, computers or tablets - on entry to the US.
Since taking office earlier this year, President Donald Trump has announced a number of immigration-related executive orders that focus on stricter border policy and tighter visa-vetting procedures.
Officials at US Customs and Border Protection could always search devices. However, there have been reports that authorities have ramped up the practice.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said that failure to adhere to immigration law could lead to refusal of entry at the border, detention and possible removal from the US.
"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 that they may consider activity on social media when making decisions about your immigration status.
"The US authorities have indicated that this includes applicants for lawful permanent residence status and student visa holders," the department warned.
Last month, the Union of Students in Ireland (USI) urged students to be "cautious" about the potential risks involved in "activism" while on J1 visas in the US this summer and called on the Irish Government to provide clarity on travel advice.
"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," said the USI, which represents over 350,000 students across Ireland.
At the time, on 15 April, Mr Harris said the travel advice for the US had not changed, although the department kept "these things" under constant review.
Three days later, on 18 April, officials updated the advice for US travel.
The minister said the department has partnered with USIT this year to ensure that the close to 5,500 Irish students taking part in the J1 programme are prepared for their US trips.
Ireland's global network of more than 100 embassies and consulates, covering over 200 countries and territories, is available to help Irish citizens abroad, along with a 24-hour consular support team in Dublin.
Mr Harris urged all travellers to visit the Department of Foreign Affairs website for the latest advice.
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