WASHINGTON-Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today welcomed a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) decision to suspend the removal order for Malachy McAllister, allowing him and his family to stay in the United States:

"Secretary Jeh Johnson is doing the right thing by allowing Malachy McAllister to remain in the United States.  I have known Malachy for nearly two decades, and he has led an exemplary life here as a successful businessman, dedicated member of his community, and loving father.  He isn't a threat to our country and deserves to stay. 

"Malachy was facing deportation for all the wrong reasons.  He's paid his debts for things he's done in the past, and has since dedicated himself to peace and reconciliation.  The Good Friday Agreement closed a violent chapter for the Irish people.  For the United States to expel Malachy would only serve to reopen old wounds and undermine an agreement for which so many worked so hard."

Background:

Representative Engel has worked with the McAllister family since 1999 in their struggle to stay in the United States. In December 2004, Rep. Engel went to the Immigration offices in Newark, New Jersey with then-Rep. Steve Rothman to press DHS officials to release Mr. McAllister and one of his sons from detention and stop their possible deportation. In recent weeks, Rep. Engel worked directly with senior officials at DHS in an effort to suspend Mr. McAllister's removal order. 

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