J1 Fears: Student Union Says Lawless Offers Caution, Not Clarity

Thursday, 29 January 2026 15:39

By Martin Osborne

Student Union President Grace McNally is calling for clarity on how students can be supported:

The Higher Education Minister needs to take more concrete action to support students going to the US on a J1 this summer.

That's according to the President of Trinity College Students' Union.

Kildare North TD James Lawless this week urged students to carefully consider their J1 plans, as unrest continues in the US.

Student Union President Grace McNally is calling for clarity on how students can be supported.

She claimed that Minister Lawless is "effectively warning" students "without offering concrete solutions".

She also asked what engagement has been carried out between Minister Lawless, US Authorities or J1 sponsors to "make things safer for students".

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