Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I wish briefly to address another important matter. This year approximately 12,000 students, including my son, have availed of the J1 visa when travelling to the United States. They are required to have a job within 20 days and provide their social security number, which is a new requirement. However, many do not have their number – in many instances it is taking months to get them – and they may be deported. In view of this, I ask the Leader to seek the intervention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Many students have spent between €1,200 and €1,300 to travel to the United States and it frightens them that they may be sent home within 20 days.