ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION No. 75

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

INTRODUCED MARCH 25, 1996

By Assemblymen KELLY, KAVANAUGH,

O'Toole and Brown

An Assembly Resolution urging the Congress and the President of the United States to review the status of persons associated with the Irish republican movement who are imprisoned in, or facing deportation from, the United States.

Whereas, Numerous persons associated with the Irish republican movement are currently imprisoned in the United States in connection with charges related to the conflict in Northern Ireland; and

Whereas, Many of these individuals were subjected to inhumane treatment and convicted under questionable circumstances in Northern Ireland; and

Whereas, Many other persons with connections to the Irish republican movement are facing deportation from the United States, despite having resided peacefully here for extended periods of time; and

Whereas, Recent positive developments, including a cease-fire and a meeting between President Clinton and officials of Sinn Fein, the political branch of the Irish Republican Army, have raised hopes for a lasting peace in Northern Ireland; and

Whereas, A complete review of the status of the individuals described above with the goal of granting amnesty or permanent residency, in appropriate cases, is necessary in the interest of justice and may help to facilitate the peace process; now, therefore,

    Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

    1. The Congress and the President of the United States are urged to review the status of persons associated with the Irish republican movement who are imprisoned in, or facing deportation from, the United States with the goal of granting amnesty or permanent residency, in appropriate cases.

    2. Copies of this resolution, signed by the Speaker of the General Assembly and attested by the Clerk thereof, shall be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and every member of Congress elected thereto from this State.

STATEMENT

    This resolution urges the Congress and President of the United States to review the status of persons associated with the Irish republican movement who are imprisoned in, or facing deportation from, the United States with the goal of granting amnesty or permanent residency in appropriate cases. A review of these cases is necessary in the interest of justice and may help to facilitate the peace process.

Urges Congress and President to review status of persons associated with the Irish republican movement who are imprisoned in, or facing deportation from, the United States.