Fwd: Barr Works to Reform Secret Evidence Laws

From: "Walsh, Brian J" Subject: Barr Works to Reform Secret Evidence Laws Date: Wed, 28 Mar 2001 13:14:17 -0500 X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2653.19)

...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Brian Walsh WEDNESDAY MARCH 28, 2001 202-225-2931

Barr Works to Reform Secret Evidence Laws Joins Colleagues in Introducing Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Fifth Amendment Rights

WASHINGTON D.C. -- U.S. Representative Bob Barr (GA-7) joined House Minority Whip David Bonior (MI-10) and Rep. Tom Davis (VA-11), Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, at a news conference on Capitol Hill this morning to introduce bipartisan legislation addressing the use of secret evidence in immigration proceedings.

"The use of secret evidence in immigration proceedings not only violates basic principles of fundamental fairness, but it is also blatantly unconstitutional," Barr said. "A cornerstone of our judicial system is the right of individuals to view and respond to evidence used against them. This legislation reaffirms the Fifth Amendment's guarantee that no person shall be deprived of liberty without due process."

Currently, the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to use classified information in political asylum and deportation cases. The evidence is not disclosed to the immigrant or their counsel. Under the proposed legislation, a federal district court judge would be presented with the government's classified evidence and would then provide an unclassified summary to the immigration judge and to the defendant. No classified information would be revealed and the defendant would have access to the same information as the immigration judge who would decide the case.

"This bill is about fairness and freedom for all those living under the U.S. Constitution," Barr said. "I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure this legislation is signed into law."

During the second presidential debate last year, President Bush indicated his support for ending the use of secret evidence. The Bonior-Barr legislation, specifically, is supported by a number of advocacy groups from across the political spectrum, including the ACLU, the American Bar Association, Americans for Tax Reform, and all major Arab and Muslim organizations.

Barr, a former federal prosecutor, represents Georgia's Seventh District. He serves on the House Financial Services, Judiciary, and Government Reform Committees. --30--