WHEREAS:

Joseph Patrick Thomas Doherty began his eighth year incarcerated in federal prison on June 18, 1990; and

WHEREAS:

Mr. Doherty has never been convicted of — nor ever charged with — the commission of any crime in the United States of America; and

WHEREAS:

In the past seven years, federal immigration judges have consistently rendered decisions in favor of Mr. Doherty and against the government in every proceeding initiated by the government; and

WHEREAS:

Mr. Doherty would never dishonor those who have supported him by failing to respect and scrupulously abide by any and every condition imposed on him in conjunction with the grant of bail.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:

That America has always been a place of asylum for the oppressed and a haven for the politically persecuted; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:

That AFSCME request President George Bush and Attorney General Thornburgh to implement the provisions of House Concurrent Resolution 62, introduced by U.S. Representative Thomas J. Manton on February 28, 1989, which calls upon the Attorney General to grant bail to Joseph Doherty, and ultimately political asylum; and Senate Concurrent Resolution 62, introduced by Senator Dodd on August 4, 1989; and

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED:

That copies of this resolution be forwarded to President Bush, Attorney General Thornburgh, and to all U.S. Congressmen and Senators who have not yet co-sponsored House Concurrent Resolution 62, or Senate Concurrent Resolution 62.