Former San Angelo mayor Joseph W. Lown is prepared to stay in Mexico while his partner seeks a visa to come to the United States.Lown is likely facing a long stay.
“Generally speaking, based on what I know, I see no avenue for legal re-immigration anytime soon,” He has heard the odds could be insurmountable.
The two are looking for an immigration lawyer, Lown said.
Armendáriz said they should have contacted an immigration lawyer before leaving the country. They may have made the situation worse by leaving, he said. Immigration law is one of the most complicated areas of law and case-specific, Armendáriz said. But the facts in this case suggest Lown’s wait will be long.
There is a 10-year inadmissibility “bar” for people who have been here without permission for longer than one year, then seek admission or re-admission. There is a waiver for that bar, but only under limited circumstances.
Armendáriz said it looks like Lown and his partner made choices based on bad information or advice, and “they will pay the price for it.” “The best option is doing nothing,” he said. “In Mexico the choices are more limited. The choices here are also limited, but they are better. He might have been benefited by comprehensive immigration reform.” Armendáriz said Leahy’s bill is a “long way” from becoming law.
Lown said he has received about 900 e-mails since leaving office and has heard from about 12 couples who are in the same situation. They are from places such as Australia, Hong Kong, Mexico and Germany, he said.
Lown and partner facing long wait
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USAFrance 1079 days ago
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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.
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