Benjamin Gilman: “the President and his Immigration and Naturalization Service have missed an important opportunity to help in our efforts…”

“the President and his Immigration and Naturalization Service have missed an important opportunity to help in our efforts to provide lasting peace and justice for Northern Ireland. Brian Pearson, an Irish nationalist who lives in Rockland County, NY, in my district, with his American wife and child, faces continued INS deportation proceedings. Despite an immigration judge's extensive findings that Brian Pearson is no threat to our Nation's security, and which granted him political asylum and permanent resident status, and despite extensive public support for not pursuing an appeal, the INS has gone forward in the appeal process. I have raised Brian's possible deportation with the President, with the Secretary of State, and asked to use Brian's case to begin the reconciliation and healing that Northern Ireland needs so badly today. During the recent 18-month cease-fire the prior conservative British Government missed the opportunity to use the cases of both nationalists as well as loyalist prisoners to help build confidence, reconciliation, and greater healing to underline and build support for lasting peace. I urge the administration to stop this appeal process.”