Sir, – The reported conditions of Seamus Culleton’s detention are deeply concerning, and the Irish Government is right to seek assurances that he is treated humanely and afforded due process. However, aspects of the case would benefit from more candid discussion. Culleton is reported to have overstayed a tourist visa by approximately 17 years. Some coverage has referred to him as holding a “work permit”, yet employment authorisation in the United States is typically dependent on valid immigration status. Greater clarity on how such authorisation was obtained would help public understanding.
Similarly, questions arise as to why an application for permanent residency was not pursued earlier, given the length of his stay. As the Taoiseach noted in the Dáil, all countries, including Ireland, enforce their immigration laws. Concern for humane treatment and respect for legal accountability are not mutually exclusive. Culleton deserves fair treatment, but public advocacy should not overlook the underlying immigration breach.
One can feel sympathy for his personal circumstances while also acknowledging that his situation arose from a long-term violation of immigration rules. Greater openness about this reality would allow for a more balanced and constructive debate. – Yours, etc,
PADDY O’CONNOR,
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Kawasaki,
Japan.
Sir, – Grim as the situation of Irish citizen Seamus Culleton in an Ice detention camp is, it must be borne in mind that overstaying a tourist visa in the US has had serious legal consequences for decades. Obviously, the Trump administration has ramped up deportations to allay its often racist and xenophobic base but, unfortunately for Culleton, it is unlikely to bow to political pressure from Ireland to not remove him. Reading between the lines, prolonged incarceration looks like an attempt to press him to consent to deportation.
Closer to home, the Minister for Justice is facing pressure to grant leave to remain to a Nigerian family that arrived here via South Africa. The family have exhausted the asylum process, but local support is pushing the Minister to overturn the outcome of two decision-making bodies. To do so would send the wrong message, quite apart from the cost to the taxpayer going forward. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL FLYNN,
Bayside,
Dublin 13.
