The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) started their annual congress in
Co Meath earlier today, the opening speech was made by Minister for
Integration Conor Lenihan who delivered what the union called an
anti-racism message.

The union later voted to oppose the Immigration, Residence and
Protection Bill 2008 saying it “infringes on the human rights of
immigrants”. They also opposed the purposed the introduction of
identity cards for non-EU citizens.

A statement for the USI said the vote meant they will now “balance
support” for the Government’s intercultural strategy with opposition to
the immigration bill.

“The European Year of Intercultural Dialogue is a major theme for our
Congress because it encompasses two major concerns for students –
combating racism in Irish society, and progressing cooperation among
the peoples of the EU,” said Hamidreza Khodabakhshi, USI president.

The congress is to continue tomorrow with a debate on the Lisbon Treaty
which is due to be put to a referendum later this year. A recent poll
by the Ballyfermot Post found 64 percent at BCFE said they don’t know how they would vote or have no view on the treaty referendum.

The USI claim to represents over 250,000 students at close to 50 colleges across the Republic and the North.

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