[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 14, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E925]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            IRISH DEPORTEES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KAREN McCARTHY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 1997

  Ms. McCARTHY of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring to your 
attention the possible deportation of a number of Irish nationals to 
Northern Ireland. This is an extremely important issue and one that we, 
as policymakers, must address.
  I'd like to share with you the plight of one family which will be 
torn apart if deportation occurs. Matthew Morrison came to our Nation 
from the town of Derry in Northern Ireland. He came to America to 
escape a life of hardship and oppression. As a young man, he had been a 
member of the Irish Republican Army, and had been imprisoned as a 
``special category'' political prisoner by the British. He was 
convicted of crimes without the benefit of a jury or an impartial 
court.
  Upon his release, Matt traveled to America where he met his wife 
Francie Broderick, who testified before the Ad Hoc Committee on Irish 
Affairs in February of this year. The couple have two children and live 
a peaceful and productive life in St. Louis, MO. Matt has never been in 
trouble with the law here.
  Matt's only crime since coming to the United States has been that he 
has listened to his conscience. He has been a vocal critic of the human 
rights violations by the British in Northern Ireland, and has actively 
worked to enlighten those around him.
  I would like the record to reflect that Matt Morrison has lived 
peacefully in the United States since December 22, 1985. I am strongly 
opposed to any action which would jeopardize his right to fair and 
impartial justice. I am also very concerned about the effect that his 
return would have on the peace and stability that we all seek in 
Northern Ireland. Our Government, which values family and community, 
should consider the impact on the Morrison family that deporting the 
father of two young children would bring.

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