The US Embassy in Dublin announced comprehensive social media vetting for J-1 visa applicants, requiring them to provide public access to their profiles. Failure to comply may result in visa rejection, as the embassy seeks to identify potential threats to national security. The measures have raised concerns from Ireland's student union about privacy intrusions and freedom of expression. Irish officials emphasize the importance of maintaining democratic rights for young people to express their views freely, especially regarding significant global issues.
Last month, the US Embassy in Dublin announced that students applying for J-1 visas will undergo 'comprehensive and thorough vetting' of their social media.
The embassy said it wants to ensure those applying for admission into the US 'do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests'.
Ireland's student union body, Aontas na Mac Léinn in Éireann (AMLE), said the new measures represent a significant and disproportionate intrusion into personal lives and digital privacy.
Simon Harris stressed the importance of freedom of speech, stating that young people have the right to express their views on various issues.
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