Former INLA prisoner Malachy McAllister loses US deportation battle

A Belfast man jailed for INLA offences in the early 1980s is being deported from the US today (Wednesday) after living in New Jersey for more than 20 years.
By Mark Rainey
Published 10th Jun 2020, 15:22 BST
Malachy McAllister on his way to hand himself in to US authorities for deportation. Keep Malachy McAllister in the US Facebook imageMalachy McAllister on his way to hand himself in to US authorities for deportation. Keep Malachy McAllister in the US Facebook image
Malachy McAllister on his way to hand himself in to US authorities for deportation. Keep Malachy McAllister in the US Facebook image

Malachy McAllister, who is originally from the Lower Ormeau area, had requested political asylum in the US but, with all appeals exhausted – including a last minute plea to President Trump – he presented himself to the Federal authorities in New Jersey for deportation on Tuesday, it has been reported.

The 62-year-old has been supported in his attempt to remain in the US by a number of high-profile figures, including members of Congress, the Ancient Order of Hibernians and senior church leaders.

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The Irish Central article described Mr McAllister as “a New Jersey resident and respected leader in the Irish community leader who came to America after escaping an assassination attempt in Northern Ireland”.

It also said he has “lived peacefully in the United States while legally seeking permanent residency”.

The Friends of Sinn Fein group in the US posted a message of support for Mr McAllister on Twitter, along with a photograph of the former republican prisoner with North Belfast MP John Finucane.

The message said: “Over 24 years ago Malachy McAllister fled an assassination attempt and sought refuge in the USA. During that time he has built a business and raised a family. He is again days away from deportation. Do the right thing – Let him stay.”

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In a statement carried on the Irish Central website, AOH president Judge James F McKay III, said: “It is with profound sadness that we learn of the deportation of Malachy McAllister after a 24 year-long struggle to obtain permanent residency in the United States.

“In this action, we have been forced to say goodbye to a member and a brother; his American born US citizen grandchildren have been deprived of their grandfather, the Northern Ireland peace process has lost a voice in America, the US economy has lost an entrepreneur who created two successful tax-paying/job-producing businesses.”

The statement added: “However, the most significant loss of all is that we have lost part of the American legacy of the United States being a refuge from oppression and a land of new beginnings.“

The PSNI has declined to comment on whether they will seek to question Mr McAllister in relation to any historic terrorist offences.

A police spokesman said: “PSNI do not comment on named individuals and no inference should be drawn from this.”