Malachy McAllister released on Order of Supervision pending Deportation Appeal

Published: 2 December, 2003

KEEP UP THE POLITICAL PRESSURE. IT WORKS.

Malachy McAllister turned himself into a federal immigration detention facility on Monday, 1 Dec. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) then allowed him to return to his family home in Wallington, New Jersey under an Order of Supervision.

He may now go back to work and have a somewhat normal family life, pending the decision on his case from the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. The Order requires that Malachy report to the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (BICE) every Friday.

According to McAllister family attorney, Eamon Dornan: “The decision came down from DHS headquarters in Washington, D.C. and was brought about as a direct result of substantial political pressure from several Congressional Representatives, led by Congressman Stephen R. Rothman (D-NJ9). This afternoon, Reps. Rothman and Eliot Engel (D-NY17) were on hand to greet Malachy upon his release from custody, and both made strong public statements of support for the McAllister family and their long struggle to remain in the United States.”

Malachy stated upon his release: "Today we have witnessed the result of democracy in action. Without the support of Irish-America, our Representatives and Senators, and without the media shining a light on this case, I have no doubt but that I would have been arrested, shackled and shipped out to face my persecutors. Bernie and I have only ever sought the chance to raise our family in an atmosphere free from fear and bigotry, and give them opportunities that were denied us." "We still have a lot of work to do until this government recognizes that my family, and other Irish nationals in similar situations, present no danger to the safety and security of the United States. We must keep moving toward that goal, but today has been a significant victory for democracy and justice."