Student views on horrific issues 'shouldn't affect' J-1 experience
Last month, the US Embassy in Dublin said students applying for J-1 visas will undergo 'comprehensive and thorough social media vetting'.
Simon Harris said he had 'a good conversation' about visas with Ed Walsh, US Ambassador to Ireland, yesterday. Students should not be deprived of a US J-1 visa for expressing a view on 'horrific issues that are happening around the world', the Tánaiste has said. Pic: Olivier Hoslet/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock
He said: 'I was making the point that we live in a country where young people have very, very strong views – as do I – and they have every right to express those views.
'Freedom of speech matters. Being able to freely express yourself – online, offline, through protest – is an important part of our democracy, and I know Mr Trump is somebody who I would imagine in his own country would champion free speech.
'So we very much want our young people to continue to be able to articulate their very strongly held views… but that shouldn't deprive somebody from going on J-1.'
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