[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 14, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E927]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                            IRISH DEPORTEES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 1997

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call attention to the plight of 
several Irish nationals facing deportation from the United States.
  As an executive board member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Irish 
Affairs, I am deeply disappointed by our Government's policy. These men 
facing deportation left their homeland in the face of political 
persecution and now live peaceful, productive lives in the United 
States.
  Even so, in what we know as the land of freedom, they are now pursued 
by our own government. Most of the subjects of deportation proceedings 
are married to American citizens or legal permanent residents. Most 
have children who are American citizens. Most would be entitled to 
permanent residence in the United States, except for their involvement 
in the Irish political struggle. And, most would face severe 
persecution if forced to return to Northern Ireland.
  Two of those facing deportation, Gabriel Megahey and Robert McErlean, 
live in my congressional district. Two days ago, a person named Sean 
Brown, a man from Mr. McErlean's village in the north of Ireland, was 
brutally assassinated. Only 59 years old and not deeply involved in 
politics, Sean Brown's death only adds weight to my constituents' 
assertions that the would face persecution if forced to be deported to 
their homeland.
  Mr. Speaker, 3 months ago, the Ad Hoc Committee for Irish Affairs 
held an unprecedented forum on the Irish deportees. After hearing from 
a representative of the administration and family members of the 
deportees, more than 60 Members of the House of Representatives wrote 
to President Clinton pleading for justice for those facing deportation. 
Today, I renew that appeal and once again request that President 
Clinton meet with a delegation from the Ad Hoc Committee to discuss our 
Government's unjust policy toward the deportation cases.

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