MEP Mullooly defends thousands of Irish students amid US visa crackdown

Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has stepped up to defend the rights of thousands of Irish students facing uncertainty due to new US visa restrictions.

MEP Mullooly has co-signed a formal question to the European Commission with Italian MEP Brando Benifei following the US government's recent suspension of student visa interviews for foreign nationals—including Irish applicants—and the introduction of enhanced social media screening measures.

The policy, introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump, pauses the visa application process for key student categories while new procedures are implemented to scrutinise applicants' online presence. The move has raised serious concerns about student privacy, the potential for discrimination, and threats to academic freedom.

“This is going to have a huge effect on thousands of Irish families and students,” MEP Mullooly said. “Clarification is desperately needed, and the Commission must intercede to the fullest of its ability.”

The formal question sent to the Commission challenges whether the US measures are compatible with international commitments on human rights, data protection, and academic freedom. It also asks what steps the EU will take to ensure European students are not subjected to invasive or discriminatory practices, and how it intends to protect the rights of young people studying abroad.

“The US suspension of student visas and increased digital surveillance threaten the rights and privacy of Irish students,” MEP Mullooly added. “The Commission must act now to defend our citizens and uphold the values of academic exchange and privacy.”

The question was officially submitted to the European Commission this week. MEP Mullooly has called for urgent engagement between EU officials and the US administration to ensure fairness, transparency, and the protection of international education pathways for young Irish people.