[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 64 (Thursday, May 15, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       JUSTICE FOR KEVIN CROSSAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 1997

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, today I join with my colleagues from both 
sides of the aisle to speak out about an injustice being perpetrated 
against a group of Irish nationals who have lived in this country as 
law-abiding citizens, but who our Government is seeking to deport.
  These men have American families--wives, children, grandchildren--
that would be torn apart by their deportations. they are also part of 
our communities. They are our neighbors.
  One of these men in particular, Kevin Crossan, lives in my community 
in New York. His wife, Joyce, is an American.
  Kevin was arrested by the British authorities, beaten, tortured, and 
ultimately convicted in a special political court with no jury. He 
served 14 years as a political prisoner in Long Kesh Prison. Upon his 
release he was again harassed, as was Joyce who was herself arrested 
and detained in Castlereagh for 3 days. She sued the chief of the Royal 
Ulster Constabulary for unlawful detainment, and the British 
authorities admitted their guilt through a settlement.
  If the Crossans are sent back to Northern Ireland, it is fairly 
certain that they will again face harassment from the authorities.
  So why is our Government trying so hard to deport Kevin? No other 
government has demanded that he be turned over. He clearly has a well 
founded fear of persecution if they are sent back. He has posed no 
threat to this country in the 6 years he has lived here. His 
deportation would destroy an American family.
  Mr. Speaker, I have often taken to the floor of this House to speak 
out against the cruel and mindless immigration laws we have in this 
country. the inexplicable heartlessness with which this family is being 
treated is simply one more example of an immigration system that too 
often ignores the pleas of those who have come here seeking asylum from 
government oppression and the opportunity to make a new life.
  The community I represent hopes that the Crossans will soon win the 
right to remain here in the United States, free from the fear they left 
behind in Northern Ireland.

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