Posted by Jim on April 8, 2016
Below is an urgent message from Brother Dan Dennehy (AOH National Immigration Committee) on behalf of AOH Brother Malachy McAllister. Brother Malachy is a fine upstanding family man of impeccable integrity. I had the great honor of having his daughter as a student when I was teaching in Rutherford, New Jersey. These consistent attempts to deport him back to Northern Ireland and separate him from his children in the United States needs to stop. Please take a few minutes to read this message and to call your Congressman or Congresswoman to support this initiative to stop this injustice from taking place.
In Friendship, Unity, & Christian Charity,
Greg Sean Canning
Florida State Secretary
National Director
FFAI Co-Chairman
Brother & Sister Hibernians and All Friends of the Irish Peace Process and Unity, Malachy McAllister, a Brother from New Jersey Mercer County AOH Division 1, having fled his birthplace with his young family, based on proven death threats from Loyalist Death Squads, now faces imminent deportation on April 25, as we remember the 100th Anniversary of Ireland’s Republic. Malachy McAllister, here for the past 19 years, is raising his young family, is a productive businessman and employer and is acknowledged by many as a key promoter of the Irish Peace Process. US Congressman Joe Crowley has composed the attached Letter to Jeh Johnson, US Secretary of Homeland Security and Sarah Saldaña, Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director and is asking for our members to contact their US House Representative to sign onto his letter. 1) PLEASE call your member of the House of Representatives TODAY. The number for the House Congressional Switchboard is (202) 225-3121. 2) Give your zip code when requested and ask to speak to your Congressman’s Office. 3) When directed to that Office, ask to speak to the Legislation Officer or Immigration Liaison your Representative. 4) If they aren’t available, ask to leave a message stating: “I would like to hear from the Congressman, the Chief of Staff or the Representative’s Immigration person as soon as possible. Ask then for an email address in order to forward Congressman Crowley’s letter.
- If they are available, tell them that (a) You support Congressman Joe Crowley’s request that ICE exercise its discretion (as it has done previously) by taking quick action to suspend the deportation order against Mr. McAllister as he is no threat to this country. (b) Ask your Congressman to contact Congressman Crowley and sign onto this letter!”
- If your Representative indicates to you their support for Comprehensive Immigration Reform, THANK THEM!If your Representative indicates opposition, ask them to reconsider that position and thank them for their time.
- Please call or email me immediately after you have made contact, so that we may follow up on your efforts
Brothers, this issue is now crucial and requires immediate action on the part of every Hibernian. I will be happy to provide you with any supporting information that you require. Thanks in advance for all your efforts. Yours In Our Motto, Dan Dennehy
McAllister Talking Points
(1) Imminent deportation – Order issued on 3/25/2016 to report for deportation on 4/25/2016, so urgent action is required(2) Has been granted Deferred Action Status by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) since 2006, indicating that there are no national security or public safety concerns that would warrant Mr. McAllister’s deportation and that DHS has found compelling factors in his case for exercising its discretion to allow him to remain in the United States.Case history:(3) Mr McAllister wife and three children granted asylum by Immigration Judge Henry Dogin in 2000 based on severe persecution suffered in Northern Ireland, including an attack on the family home in Belfast in which Loyalist gunmen fired 26 shots into the house while the McAllister children were inside. The grant of political asylum was appealed by the Board of Immigration Appeals twenty nine days later and taken from his wife and children.Mr. McAllister was denied asylum due to conviction in Northern Ireland in 1983 for participating in armed resistance to British rule. His participation was in the context of the severe persecution he suffered at the hands of the British military and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC), the militarized police force of Northern Ireland, and of a political struggle against British rule in Ireland.(4) Mr. McAllister appealed his denial to the Board of Immigration Appeals, which upheld the decision in 2003.The case was appealed to the Third Circuit, which upheld the denial of asylum in 2006. Nicola and Sean McAllister were also placed in deportation proceedings but now have temporary status under the ‘Dream Act’An Adjustment of Status application has been filed for Mr. McAllister based on an approved I-130 petition for immigrant status on behalf of Mr. McAllister filed by his U.S. citizen son, Gary McAllister. In order for this application to be considered, DHS must join a motion requesting the Board of Immigration Appeals to reopen the removal proceedings and remand the case to the Immigration Judge for consideration of the Adjustment of Status.(5) Substantial new evidence has come to light since the Third Circuit decision, confirming British government involvement in the attack on Mr. McAllister’s home.The Sir Desmond De Silva report on the investigation into the murder of lawyer Pat Finucane, issued in 2012, contains evidence on a number of other individuals who were targeted by loyalists in collusion with government forces, including Mr. McAllister (identified as “T/12” in the report).(6) Investigations in Northern Ireland into the attack on the McAllister house are ongoing.Mr. McAllister was just informed that his case is the subject of a active criminal investigation by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).He also has a pending complaint before the Historical Investigations Unit (HIU, formerly the Historical Enquires Team). These investigations could create a dangerous situation for Mr. McAllister if he was returned to Northern Ireland, and the continual reminders of the attack would create added psychological trauma.(7) Since the Third Circuit decision, Congress has passed legislation, the Consolidated Appropriations Act (CAA) of 2008, allowing for a waiver of the “terrorist activity” grounds of inadmissibility that render Mr. McAllister removable from the United States.Under the law, the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), with which Mr. McAllister was involved, is not considered a “terrorist” group.It is notable that the group that targeted him, the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), is on the State Department’s Terrorist Watch List (a Tier II group under the CAA), indicating that they are still considered a danger.(8) Third Circuit Judge Maryanne Trump-Barry, in a concurring opinion, expressed regret that the law did not provide them with an avenue for Mr. McAllister to remain in the United States. This discretionary waiver could provide such an avenue for relief. At the very least, it expresses a policy change recognizing that the “terrorism” exclusion laws should not be absolute.(9) There are numerous positive factors that weigh in favor of allowing Mr. McAllister to remain in the United States.Essentially, he is a model resident of this country:Mr. McAllister has a four-year-old U.S. citizen son, as well as a 39 years old U.S. citizen son, and 5 U.S. citizen. grandchildren.He has not been arrested or convicted of any crime since arriving in the U.S., and his conviction in Northern Ireland was over 30 years ago.He owns two businesses and employs at least 14 U.S. workers.He has numerous community ties and strong support from Irish American organizations.He has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder caused by the persecution he suffered in Belfast.Humanitarian considerations and U.S. immigration policy warrant strong consideration of psychological trauma.
Posted by Jim on March 22, 2016
Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams TD has announced that the party has nominated Ciaran Staunton as an independent candidate in the Seanad elections “as a voice for the diaspora”.
The Sinn Féin leader said:
“Ciaran Staunton is a Mayo man who has lived in the United States since the 1980’s. He has been a long-time leader on immigration issues. In 1990, he was involved in the campaign which saw the introduction of the Morrison Visa programme that opened the door to thousands of Irish citizens being able to legally enter the USA.
“In 2005, Ciaran co-founded the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform. The ILIR is the leading Irish American organisation campaigning for immigration reform and the resolution of the status of the 50,000 undocumented Irish immigrants living in the USA.
“Ciaran has met the most senior political leaders in the USA as part of this work. He has lobbied the White House, the Congress and Senate. He has also been a frequent visitor to the Dáil where he has briefed the Irish government and Oireachtas members.”
Gerry Adams added:
“Ciaran Staunton has been a vocal and effective champion for Irish immigrants for almost 30 years. There are approximately 70million citizens across the globe who claim Irish roots. In the last ten years, almost half a million more have left these shores for all parts of the globe. Every townland and parish the length and breadth of Ireland has a son or daughter in the diaspora.
“Sinn Féin believes that much more must be done to develop and strengthen our relationship with the diaspora. This objective can be enhanced with a strong dedicated voice in the Oireachtas; someone who will fight for the rights of the undocumented in the USA; for votes for Irish citizens living abroad; for improved connectedness between the island of Ireland and our diaspora; and for a united Ireland. I believe that Ciaran Staunton has the experience and commitment to be that voice.”
Gerry Adams concluded:
“In April 2012, Ciaran and Orlaith’s 12-year-old son Rory tragically died as a result of Sepsis. The family established the Rory Staunton Foundation to raise awareness and improve diagnosis around this issue.
“In 2013, ‘Rory’s Regulations’ were adopted in New York State. These regulations require all hospitals to adopt best practices for the early identification and treatment of sepsis. This month, the Staunton’s secured an important victory when the House and Senate Appropriations Committees supported the allocation of funding in the US budget of awareness programmes.”
Posted by Jim on March 20, 2016
Several homes in Belfast were violently raided last weekend amid an
increased PSNI presence, with heavily armed units deployed in the west
and north of the city.
In the New Lodge and Ardoyne areas, a number of raids were carried out
on the homes of republicans by members of the PSNI’s balaclava-wearing
TSG (Tactical Support Group).
Two local men were taken from a car in Ardoyne by armed police and
forced to the ground at gunpoint while their vehicle was searched. The
PSNI’s helicopter hovered over the area for much of the weekend.
Another man said the PSNI “went nuts” went they found his car boot
contained prisoner campaign leaflets and commemorative Easter lilies for
the republican parade in Coalisland, County Tyrone on Easter Sunday.
“The PSNI guys totally lost it they went pure nuts, full of hatred,
pushed me against the car,” he said. “Refused to allow any call to
solicitor and refused to provide any details of the search but the
locals saw it and recorded it.”
In what was described as a direct attack on the nationalist community of
the Lower Falls, the PSNI raided the offices of the Divis Residents’
Support Team and three homes in the area on Saturday night. They
arrested one community activist and were said to have traumatised
infants and the elderly. Residents and activists held a protest on
Sunday evening.
Eirigi activists who created a new Easter Rising mural at Lenadoon
Avenue in west Belfast last week also reported that they were subjected
to repeated harassment from heavily armed members of the PSNI.
DERRY RAID
Meanwhile, in Derry, a widow said she was left traumatised by a PSNI
raid on her Bogside home Up to eight armed PSNI men turned her Cable
Street home upside down. Mrs Gallagher, who has a number of health
issues, is the widow of well-known Derry republican, Jim Gallagher, who
died six years ago.
She said she was ‘at a loss’ as to why the search was carried out at her
home where she has lived for the past 30 years. She said: “The last time
we were raided was well over ten years ago. There was no reason for this
to happen. It was very intimidating and I felt very uncomfortable given
the fact I was alone with eight armed male police officers.
“Neighbours who tried to get into the house were denied entry. My phone
was taken off me so I could not phone anyone. My daughter, who arrived
about an hour after the raid began, was eventually allowed it.
“They searched everywhere – drawers, cupboards, gardens – it was
terrifying. I don’t understand why this has happened. I want to know
why.”
Gary Donnelly, independent councillor on Derry City and Strabane
District Council, condemned the raid.
“For her to be alone with heavily armed police officers was vindictive
and nasty. She has been through a terrible ordeal.”
“This type of policing is not unusual in this community. Local
politicians, who are quick to condemn actions of republicans, should
stand up and speak up for vulnerable people, such as Mrs Gallagher, who
continue to suffer from political policing.”
Posted by Jim on March 19, 2016
Several homes in Belfast were violently raided last weekend amid an
increased PSNI presence, with heavily armed units deployed in the west
and north of the city.
In the New Lodge and Ardoyne areas, a number of raids were carried out
on the homes of republicans by members of the PSNI’s balaclava-wearing
TSG (Tactical Support Group).
Two local men were taken from a car in Ardoyne by armed police and
forced to the ground at gunpoint while their vehicle was searched. The
PSNI’s helicopter hovered over the area for much of the weekend.
Another man said the PSNI “went nuts” went they found his car boot
contained prisoner campaign leaflets and commemorative Easter lilies for
the republican parade in Coalisland, County Tyrone on Easter Sunday.
“The PSNI guys totally lost it they went pure nuts, full of hatred,
pushed me against the car,” he said. “Refused to allow any call to
solicitor and refused to provide any details of the search but the
locals saw it and recorded it.”
In what was described as a direct attack on the nationalist community of
the Lower Falls, the PSNI raided the offices of the Divis Residents’
Support Team and three homes in the area on Saturday night. They
arrested one community activist and were said to have traumatised
infants and the elderly. Residents and activists held a protest on
Sunday evening.
Eirigi activists who created a new Easter Rising mural at Lenadoon
Avenue in west Belfast last week also reported that they were subjected
to repeated harassment from heavily armed members of the PSNI.
DERRY RAID
Meanwhile, in Derry, a widow said she was left traumatised by a PSNI
raid on her Bogside home Up to eight armed PSNI men turned her Cable
Street home upside down. Mrs Gallagher, who has a number of health
issues, is the widow of well-known Derry republican, Jim Gallagher, who
died six years ago.
She said she was ‘at a loss’ as to why the search was carried out at her
home where she has lived for the past 30 years. She said: “The last time
we were raided was well over ten years ago. There was no reason for this
to happen. It was very intimidating and I felt very uncomfortable given
the fact I was alone with eight armed male police officers.
“Neighbours who tried to get into the house were denied entry. My phone
was taken off me so I could not phone anyone. My daughter, who arrived
about an hour after the raid began, was eventually allowed it.
“They searched everywhere – drawers, cupboards, gardens – it was
terrifying. I don’t understand why this has happened. I want to know
why.”
Gary Donnelly, independent councillor on Derry City and Strabane
District Council, condemned the raid.
“For her to be alone with heavily armed police officers was vindictive
and nasty. She has been through a terrible ordeal.”
“This type of policing is not unusual in this community. Local
politicians, who are quick to condemn actions of republicans, should
stand up and speak up for vulnerable people, such as Mrs Gallagher, who
continue to suffer from political policing.”
Posted by Jim on
OK TO BURN CATHOLICSâ AND TO GET FUNDING FOR IT.
IMAGINE IF WHITE RACISTS WERE LYNCHING PRESIDENT OBAMA IN EFFIGY⦠IMAGINE THE
LEGITIMATE OUTCRY.
NOW IMAGINE IF A LOCAL TOWN WERE ACTUALLY FUNDING THE EFFIGY LYNCHING.
WELL, THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT IS HAPPENING TODAY IN NORTHERN IRLEAND.
OVER THERE, â BURNING CATHOLICS IN EFFIGYâ IS THE ORANGE EQUIVALENT TO LYNCHING BLACKMEN IN EFFIGY IN THE UNITED STATESâEXACTLY THE SAME.
EXTREME ORANGEMEN EVERY YEAR BURN GERRY ADAMS IN EFFIGY AT THEIR BONFIRESâ AND LOCAL TOWN GOVERNMENTS FUND THE OBSCENITYâ AS THIS ARTICLE FROM THE IRISH NEWS IN BELFAST REPORTS.
Nationalist bid to overturn vote on bonfire and Rising funding rejected
Brendan Hughes, Irish News (Belfast). Saturday, March 19, 2016
CONTORVERSY: An effigy of Sinn Feinâs Gerry Adams hangs from a bonfire at Ballycraigy in Antrim
A NATIONALIST bid to overturn controversial funding decisions on bonfires and the Easter Rising has been
rejected by a Co Antrim council following legal advice.
Councillors had requested a âcall-inâ of Antrim and Newtownabbey councilâs decision to continue to provide funding when loyalist bonfires use racist or sectarian displays.
They also challenged £50,000 of funding being set aside for the Somme centenary this year but none for the Easter Rising.
The âcall-inâ procedure allows a contentious decision to be reconsidered if 15 per cent of councillors believe it was not properly reached or would adversely affect a section of the community.
Legal opinion was sought by the council as part of the procedure, but yesterday it said the legal advice has determined that the call-ins âdo not have meritâ.
âThe legal opinion provided to the council is legally privileged and confidential and therefore will not be disclosed,â a spokeswoman said.
Sinn FeÌin councillor Anne Marie Logue urged the council to publish the legal advice received.
âThe call-in decision will not stop us highlighting and challenging the blatant inequality for nationalist ratepayers in Antrim and Newtownabbey council,â she said.
âLegal advice which is in the interest of the public and paid for by the ratepayers should be made public.â
The dispute comes after the council had voted on a new policy to give funding to groups organising Eleventh Night bonfires to hold related family events.
The unionist-majority council backed funding sanctions over environmental issues such as the burning of tyres.
But a proposal to withhold money for offensive displays such as burning flags and effigies failed to gain enough support.
Separately, the council also failed to reach an agreement on allocating any funds for Easter Rising commemorations.
The council has earmarked £50,000 for events to mark the Battle of the Somme centenary.
A nationalist proposal to give £40,000 towards Rising events was defeated, while the DUPâs suggestion of zero funding was also dismissed.
A councillor working groupâs proposal for £10,000 was also knocked back after being rejected by DUP and Sinn FeÌiÌn councillors.