Although certain states have taken the progressive step towards granting marriage rights to gay couples, the impact on immigration laws has been zilch. Currently, same sex partners, whether legally married under foreign laws or under the laws of certain U.S. states, are not receiving any immigration benefits as immigration law, along with a few other legal practice areas, is governed entirely by federal statute as opposed to state specific legal rules. Immigration law is controlled by a number of federal regulations such as the Code of Federal Regulations and the Immigration and Nationality Act.
In an unprecedented step towards furthering the fight for equality, Senator Patrick Leahy, Democrat from Vermont, introduced a new bill, the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), on June 2, 2009. The UAFA aims to allow U.S. Citizens (USC’s) and legal permanent immigrants (LPR’s) to seek immigration benefits for their same-sex partners. The Uniting American Families Act would amend the current Immigration and Nationality Act to allow immigration processing for dependent spouses just as currently allowed by heterosexual couples.
Who Voted for this Story
Feedburner
Promoting public awareness of the need for fairness in immigration policy particularly as it relates to the rights of same-sex bi-national couples in the United States who seek equal immigration rights; Providing information regarding political issues relating to gay immigration equality issues, rights and policy.
Comments