[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 63 (Wednesday, May 14, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E928]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            IRISH DEPORTEES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 14, 1997

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my personal concern 
about an issue of great importance to a number of families in New 
Jersey, an issue of fundamental fairness. Irish-Americans and their 
families have been discriminated against for many years. On February 6 
of this year, many Irish-American families testified about their 
imminent deportation. These heartfelt testimonies conclude that 
deportation divides husband and wife, father and son, and mother and 
daughter. The separation divides the family unit and causes undue 
stress on extended family members. So, you can see why I am 
particularly concerned about the deportation of innocent Irish-
Americans who in many cases have been denied due process.
  Cases of individuals being targeted for prosecution by the 
Immigration and Naturalization Service include Noel Gaynor, Robbie 
McErlean, Gabriel Megahey, Matt Morrison, Kevin Crossan, Charles 
Caulfield, and Brian Pearson, who all share a number of similarities.
  These men suffered political persecution in Northern Ireland. Several 
served time as special category political prisoners after being 
convicted through torture and extorted confessions. None of these men 
are currently wanted for any crime in Ireland, Northern Ireland, or 
Britain.
  These are men who have led exemplary lives as productive, law-abiding 
members of their community. They are no threat to national security and 
their threatened deportation goes against the moral fiber of the United 
States.
  In spite of these factors, the United States is zealously pursuing 
deportation proceedings against these men. The legal cost and not to 
mention the emotional strain are overwhelming and have taken a 
devastating toll on each of these families.
  The Justice Department is seeking to have anyone imprisoned by the 
British for a political offense automatically deported regardless of 
how long they have lived in the United States.
  Mr. Speaker, I would call to the attention of my colleagues the 
graphic portrayal of continuing British injustice toward the Irish in 
the movie ``In the Name of the Father,'' based on a true and very 
tragic case.
  I believe that due process of the law should be given to Noel Gaynor, 
Gabriel Megahey, and Brian Pearson, all of whom face deportation.
  I have written letters to urge the administration to stop these 
unfair proceedings. If these individuals are deported, American 
families will suffer.

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