John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I wish to raise the matter of a young student who is studying government and public policy in University College Cork. Part of the course involved a work placement which, for this student, was a ten week period of work in the Irish immigration centre in Boston. On arrival in Boston, however, and despite his documentation being correct, he was interrogated, accused of being a member of various organisations, including drug smugglers, and duly deported the following day. Today the Americans proudly celebrate their Independence Day but there is a problem when people who are properly documented are subject to such abuses on entering the United States. The problem for this young gentleman is that he will now have to delay 12 months of his degree course because he cannot fulfil the work placement part of the course in time to complete his final year by late September.

I urge the Leader to raise this issue and seek the support of other Senators on this matter. It is intolerable. We encourage Americans to come to this country and the two countries have friendly relations. I have no difficulty with security or dealing strongly with those from illegal organisations, as is evident from my previous contributions in this House. However, innocent people are being subjected to abuse. I have an account of what happened to this student, which I will give to the Leader later, and it is horrific. I call on the Leader to raise this matter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and ask him to have immediate discussions with the American ambassador or his representative. I hope this situation can be corrected. There is approximately one week left to do so and ensure this young gentleman can continue his degree.