HOMEWARD BOUND: Malachy McAllister is pictured with members of his family outside the Federal Building in Newark, New Jersey. McAllister was required to report for deportation Tuesday morning. Photo by Dan Dennehy.
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HOMEWARD BOUND: Malachy McAllister is pictured with members of his family outside the Federal Building in Newark, New Jersey. McAllister was required to report for deportation Tuesday morning. Photo by Dan Dennehy.

A Lower Ormeau man whose bid to stay in the US had become a cause celebre for Irish America is expected to arrive home in Belfast within 24 hours.

Member of Congress, the Cardinal of New York and even a sister of President Trump had all supported the former republican prisoner's application for political asylum in the US but on Tuesday Malachy McAllister (62) presented himself to Federal authorities in New Jersey for deportation.

A last minute bipartisan plea to President Trump from Capitol Hill fell on deaf ears. 

In an extensive interview last week with belfastmedia.com, Malachy McAllister said he was being "scapegoated" by the White House.

The Lower Ormeau man, whose mother still lives in the area, fled Belfast after a loyalist gun attack on his home in 1988 and had been running a construction business in New Jersey.

He was previously jailed for seven years for two attacks on the RUC officers during the 1981 hunger strikes. During his time in America, he had been a strong supporter of the peace process and appeared frequently at Irish American events. 

APPEAL DENIED: Malachy McAllister pictured in US with his grandchildren
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APPEAL DENIED: Malachy McAllister pictured in US with his grandchildren

Said Ancient Order of Hibernians President in the US, Judge James F. McKay III: "If there is solace in this sad situation, it is that our Hibernian brothers and sisters have once again been faithful to their oaths and the traditions of the Irish to rally to the aid of a brother in distress. 

"As President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, I am both grateful and proud of your support. 

"To our many friends in Congress and the Senate on both sides of the aisle who put aside party ideology to come together in the cause of justice, I thank you and salute your felicity to your office. 

"The history of the Irish is the history of resilience. 

"There is no denying that we as a community have suffered a great setback today, one we shall not forget and use as motivation to continue to fight for justice in Northern Ireland and a fair and just immigration policy for the Irish."