The Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) has expressed grave concerns at the Executive order signed by new US President, Donald Trump, prohibiting citizens of seven countries from entering the USA.

Mike Jennings said the ban has immediate implications for the entry of students and academic staff to the US, including people living in Ireland. “I urgently ask anyone who feels they are affected in this way to make email contact with IFUT without delay,” he said.

Education International (EI), the international trade union of which Mike Jennings is Treasurer, has also expressed its deep concern. The Order directly affects approximately 25,000 people holding student and work visas, and as many as 500,000 people who are permanent legal residents of the United States, including lecturers and researchers.

“Education International views the measure as discriminatory and in violation of international standards protecting the rights of immigrants and refugees.

“EI fully supports its member organisations, the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), who equally oppose President Trump’s Order,” they state.

Mike Jennings said that “considering that some EI member organisations are based in countries on the banned list, the Executive Order effectively restricts the possibility of holding global EI conferences in the United States.

“EI is examining possibilities to challenge the measure with the international agencies entrusted with the implementation of the appropriate international conventions,” he said.

ENDS

For further information on this media release please contact:

John Gallagher, John Gallagher Consulting. Tel. 087 9369888

Mike Jennings, General Secretary, IFUT, Tel 087 6776747.