Fine Gael TD for Dublin Fingal, Alan Farrell, has voiced his concern regarding the implementation of the executive order, signed by Donald Trump, President of the USA, at Dublin Airport’s US immigration pre-clearance facility.
“I am concerned about the implementation of President Trump’s executive order at the US immigration pre-clearance facility in Dublin Airport, and at Shannon Airport also. Deciding as to whether a person is suitable to enter any country on the basis of their nationality alone is, in my opinion, unacceptable.
“The US has some of the most stringent vetting procedures for visa applications and refugees in the Western World, however, over the weekend we have heard numerous stories of valid visa holders and refugees being detained upon arrival at US airports. This is very disconcerting, particularly with the US embassy in Dublin confirming that their pre-clearance facilities in Irish airports are acting in accordance with President Trump’s executive order.
“Using nationality alone as a litmus test to determine whether or not a person can be granted entry to a democratic country flies in the face of the equality, human rights, and the principle of democracy itself.
“This executive order is in stark contrast with the inscription on the foundation stone of the Liberty Statue in New York: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…’
“The fact that President Trump’s executive order is being implemented on Irish soil, and in my own constituency, is extremely concerning and I have communicated my views in this regard to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD.”