Speech #1020095671

Mr. Speaker. yesterday. the Supreme Court heard oral arguments In the case of Immigration and Naturalization Service versus Joseph Patrick Doherty. Mr. Doherty Is an Irish national who has been held In U.S. prisons for 8 years without being charged with or convicted of any crime in the United States. The Justice Department has asked the Court to deny Mr. Doherty the right to reopen his request for political asylum despite rulings by the Justice Departments own Board of Immigration Appeal and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ordering such a hearing. To accomplish this goal. they have asked the Court to grant the Attorney General unlimited discretion In denying an Individuals request for political asylum. I am proud that more than 130 of my colleagues joined me In an amlcl curiae brief on Mr. Dohertys behalf. In our brief. we argued that the Refugee Act of 1980 was designed to ensure all refugees. regardless of their country of origin. equal treatment under the law. Mr. Speaker. Con .ess passed the Refugee Act to limit the discretion of the executive branch and to guarantee asylum seekers the right to a full and fair hearing on the merits of their claims. Mr. Doherty Is entitled to a hearIng.