http://imeq.us/info2 Your Source for imeQ Social News and Binational Networking Mon, 28 Dec 2009 06:09:13 -0500 en http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/5-predictions-for-immigration-reform-in-2010/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/5-predictions-for-immigration-reform-in-2010/ Mon, 28 Dec 2009 06:09:13 -0500 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/5-predictions-for-immigration-reform-in-2010/
8 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/how-i-define-an-lgbt-issue-open-left/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/how-i-define-an-lgbt-issue-open-left/ Mon, 28 Dec 2009 06:09:13 -0500 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/how-i-define-an-lgbt-issue-open-left/ Why is that? I think it's because with the exception of HIV/AIDS, all of those policies specifically discriminate against LGBT people. Federal employment non-discrimination laws, for example, protect lots of categories of people- race, religion, sex, and so forth. Sexual orientation and gender identity are specifically excluded, so this is an "LGBT" issue.

Contrast that with immigration reform. After the Uniting American Families Act provision wasn't included in the bill as introduced (which would allow same-sex binational couples to have the same access to immigration benefits that heterosexual couples do), I can't tell you how many people commented to me that this bill was now "worthless" and "why should LGBT activists be there for immigration folks if they aren't there for us?

11 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/dadt-doma-enda-not-even-lgbts-stay-home-in-2010/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/dadt-doma-enda-not-even-lgbts-stay-home-in-2010/ Mon, 28 Dec 2009 06:09:13 -0500 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/dadt-doma-enda-not-even-lgbts-stay-home-in-2010/
Rahm Emanuel and Barack Obama draw the wrong lessons about where progressives LBGTs will go in 2010. It's not that we'll vote for the talibangelical GOP. After all, we're not total idiots. We know those people would just as soon Ugandize our asses as look at us.

The danger is that we will stay at home. And we'll stay at home not just on Election Day, but on every phone-banking, neighborhood-walking, vote-by-mailing, voter-IDing, precinct-organizing, campaign-blogging day before that. That's a lot of wo/manpower to run a mid-term campaign without.

Moreover: We are the opinion leaders in our small communities. We are the folks our less engaged friends look to for guidance. Most people don't pay attention to politics like we do, and they expect us to tell them what's important and what matters. If our reaction when asked about electing Democrats again in 2010 is ‘meh' will that motivate the less-engaged among them to vote? Expect a lot of "wait, you said you weren't excited about that?" when we try to drag them out to the polls on Election Day 2010.



16 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/united-states-of-america-not-united-fon-lgbt-immigration-law/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/united-states-of-america-not-united-fon-lgbt-immigration-law/ Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:03:06 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/united-states-of-america-not-united-fon-lgbt-immigration-law/
I always thought that National Equality is just what it means; it appears that the Ununited States of America appears to have a schizophrenic attitude, I was reading a blog one day and it said that that all the politicians goes to different parties to raise money and put people in different positions just to peas different groups. But when gay people who are united with each other, which supports each other and ask for there rights yes there human rights are ignored. However that being said we do thank you for passing Defense Authorization Bill which includes the Matthew Shepard act I find is shameful when someone has to die before something is done. (Mathew Sheppard) was killed because he was gay.

10 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/nem-you-can-help-one-hundred-thousand-americans-in-5-minutes/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/nem-you-can-help-one-hundred-thousand-americans-in-5-minutes/ Sun, 11 Oct 2009 15:03:06 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/nem-you-can-help-one-hundred-thousand-americans-in-5-minutes/
Contrary to a popular misconceptions, state-level same sex marriage offers no avenue for citizens to petition for residency for their non-citizens same sex partners. It is the jusidiction of Federal Government that doesn't, and likely won't anytime soon, recognize same sex relationships.

A remedy may be in the works, but the GLBT community and supporters must seize this moment to tell congress people now is the time to respect our families.

There is an expedited form to send to your local rep urging them to include GLBT immigration equality into the reform package. It took me 3 minutes to fill out, please do so here. You can send their form letter, or (better) customize your own.

Follow under the fold if you're asking why now? (because there's a milestone approaching this Tuesday, October 13) or just why should I care?


11 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/us-immigration-law-tearing-apart-life-love-and-home-nem/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/us-immigration-law-tearing-apart-life-love-and-home-nem/ Sun, 11 Oct 2009 14:02:24 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/us-immigration-law-tearing-apart-life-love-and-home-nem/
Steve and Joe, however, will be notably absent.

The couple, who recently married in Connecticut and bought a home in Washington, D.C., will not be in the capital on Sunday. Instead, they will be packing Joe's belongings. Under federal law, Steve and Joe are no longer allowed to live together in the country they call home.

6 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/140-lgbt-leaders-and-allies-endorse-national-equality-march/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/140-lgbt-leaders-and-allies-endorse-national-equality-march/ Sat, 05 Sep 2009 08:03:38 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/140-lgbt-leaders-and-allies-endorse-national-equality-march/
The new list consists of a broad range of LGBT strategists and visionaries, media figures, entertainment industry notables, elected officials, and HIV/AIDS and community activists, from across the country....

5 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/sos-binational-same-gender-couples-need-your-help/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/sos-binational-same-gender-couples-need-your-help/ Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:45:40 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/sos-binational-same-gender-couples-need-your-help/
But my country, the United States of America, forces me to either exile myself, end my relationship with him, or live in the United States without him. Why? Is this surprising to you? For 5 years we've lived apart - 5,000 miles away from each other. Will you please continue reading my message?

Love is the universal attractive force that knows no boundaries. Love goes beyond what we call sacred. I happen to believe that the force of Love alone is proof of the existence of a Creator. Because how could such a beautiful and perfect feeling just happen? Americans fall ...

14 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/bringing-the-lgbt-and-immigration-communities-together/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/bringing-the-lgbt-and-immigration-communities-together/ Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:24:42 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/bringing-the-lgbt-and-immigration-communities-together/
I have to admit, it was a little bit of a crazy idea. But the idea behind it was to bring together two communities facing both national and state legislative fights that can't win on their own. If the LGBT community continues to just talk to "their own," and if the immigration reform community does the same, neither will win progressive legislative change. However, we thought that if bloggers, organizations, and "movement thinkers" could get in the same room together across those two issues -- especially when the Uniting American Families Act so uniquely ties the two communities' destinies -- good things might happen.

And good things did happen. There were good, honest conversations about...


9 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/california-assembly-to-hear-testimony-on-resolution-supporting/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/california-assembly-to-hear-testimony-on-resolution-supporting/ Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:24:20 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/california-assembly-to-hear-testimony-on-resolution-supporting/
10 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/california-assembly-to-hear-testimony-on-resolution-on-uniting-american-families-act/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/california-assembly-to-hear-testimony-on-resolution-on-uniting-american-families-act/ Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:24:20 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/california-assembly-to-hear-testimony-on-resolution-on-uniting-american-families-act/ The resolution, introduced by Assembly Member Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and co-sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), formally requests that the US Congress pass and that President Barack Obama sign the Uniting American Families Act. Under current federal law, American citizens are permitted to sponsor an opposite-sex spouse. LGBT partners do not have the same right and are specifically excluded even if married under State law, sue to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA which defines marriage as between a man and a woman only. The UAFA would extend this basic right to committed same-sex couples, who can prove they are in a committed relationship.

5 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/within-reach/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/within-reach/ Mon, 17 Aug 2009 03:24:20 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/within-reach/
But it will take all of us to pass this legislation. We need to hold their feet to the fire, and it will require our entire community to engage with our federal elected officials in order to see change in Congress. Right now, we have the potential to see these three bills reach President Obama's desk, and he has committed to signing them. It is time for us to unite, to be visible and vocal, and demonstrate that our community deserves the same protections and equality as the rest of the nation. We have accepted our second-class status for far too long. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations of LGBT people to demand that our federal representatives take meaningful steps to end blatant government discrimination against our families.

9 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/amos-lim-of-out4immigration-named-community-hero/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/amos-lim-of-out4immigration-named-community-hero/ Thu, 13 Aug 2009 05:38:19 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/amos-lim-of-out4immigration-named-community-hero/
Amos Lim is a community hero is every sense of the term. He demonstrates what it means to believe that there is a wrong to be righted and to take action in an area where few others have been brave enough to go. Thank you Amos, from everyone at Out4Immigration. You have always been our hero, and we are happy to share you with the rest of the community!...

8 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/immigration-equality-policy-intern/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/immigration-equality-policy-intern/ Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:02:10 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/immigration-equality-policy-intern/

The Immigration Equality Public Policy Intern carries out public policy research to help pass the Uniting American Families Act, a bill that would allow gay and lesbian Americans couples to sponsor their foreign-born permanent partners for immigration. The Public Policy Intern researches Congressional comprehensive immigration reform initiatives as well as LGBT initiatives to help develop effective strategies for winning rights for LGBT families. The Public Policy Intern also assists with background research to help develop and implement regulations beneficial to LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants, including in the areas of asylum and immigration detention. The Public Policy Intern writes outreach and educational materials to promote the rights of LGBT and HIV-positive immigrants. The Public Policy Intern may assist with developing grassroots activists in key Congressional districts.

6 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/immigration-equality-policy-associate/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/immigration-equality-policy-associate/ Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:02:10 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/immigration-equality-policy-associate/
Position Location: Washington, DC

Immigration Equality seeks a dynamic, motivated individual with outstanding lobbying and communications skills to build support for equal immigration rights on Capitol Hill and with key stakeholders. The Policy Associate will play a major role in campaigning for passage of pro-LGBT immigration legislation.

The Policy Associate will work with the Policy Director to build support for the Uniting American Families Act (S. 424 / H.R. 1024) and the Reuniting Families Act (H.R. 2079), which will allow gays and lesbians to sponsor their foreign-born permanent partners for immigration. The Policy Associate will also advocate for passage of comprehensive immigration reform and inclusion of LGBT families in comprehensive immigration reform. Job Responsibilities:

13 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/mail-order-brides-have-it-easier/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/mail-order-brides-have-it-easier/ Sat, 18 Jul 2009 04:51:53 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/mail-order-brides-have-it-easier/
It's not so simple for bi-national GLBT couples, because we're still waiting for legislation at the federal level that will allow GLB or T American citizens to bring or keep their partners and families in this country. Will O'Bryan, writing at Metro Weekly, has the story of Steve and Joe:

"I feel like a third-class citizen," says Steve, who met Joe in Pittsburgh nearly a decade ago, as Joe attended school, eventually earning a doctoral degree in structural engineering. "We don't have the same rights as heterosexual couples. We also don't have the same rights as gay couples who are born in this country."

The story then goes from bad to worse:...

15 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/binational-gay-couples-cry-out-for-security/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/binational-gay-couples-cry-out-for-security/ Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:42:42 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/binational-gay-couples-cry-out-for-security/
Not so for LGBT folks in the Foreign Service. We are still often not allowed to bring our partners back to the U.S. if we want to do a D.C. posting (which is necessary to advance your career) unless we can get them a student visa or, if possible, a work visa. And forget retiring to the country you spent your life serving unless you plan to leave behind the partner who served it with you....The Uniting American Families Act, pending in the House and Senate, would fix the problem...

8 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/the-ins-and-outs-of-the-hiv-travel-and-immigration-ban/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/the-ins-and-outs-of-the-hiv-travel-and-immigration-ban/ Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:50:44 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/the-ins-and-outs-of-the-hiv-travel-and-immigration-ban/
Despite knowing this obvious fact for decades, the United States remained one of only twelve countries to have long-enforced such a strict, unscientific and ineffective policy, undermining its position as a global leader in combating HIV/AIDS. In supporting such a discriminatory and antiquated restriction, the United States has placed itself among the ranks of other bastions of civil liberty - including Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Lybia, Russia, Moldova, Oman and Qatar, among others.

3 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/hiv-ban-will-be-lifted-quite-soon-for-real/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/hiv-ban-will-be-lifted-quite-soon-for-real/ Sat, 04 Jul 2009 04:50:44 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/hiv-ban-will-be-lifted-quite-soon-for-real/
It has certainly taken a long time and a lot of lobbying effort to reach this monumental point: when the HHS finally published its proposed regulations, before issuing the final regulations -- the day when all HIV-infected individuals will not be discriminated against from entering the country. Please respond to the HHS with your supportive comments.

14 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/watch-full-video-of-obama-white-house-lgbt-pride-celebration/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/watch-full-video-of-obama-white-house-lgbt-pride-celebration/ Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:58:30 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/watch-full-video-of-obama-white-house-lgbt-pride-celebration/
6 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/bono-mack-may-face-her-electoral-doom/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/bono-mack-may-face-her-electoral-doom/ Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:13:50 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/bono-mack-may-face-her-electoral-doom/
12 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/new-beginning-initiative-launches/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/new-beginning-initiative-launches/ Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:13:50 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/new-beginning-initiative-launches/
The initiative, which is an outcome of the National Policy Roundtable with organizations opting into the initiative, began more than a year ago in preparation of a more LGBT-favorable administration. The more than 80 initial policies identified and recommended for changes span the authority of the White House and more than 30 federal agencies. The recommendations focus on

6 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/america-supports-passage-of-the-uniting-american-families-act/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/america-supports-passage-of-the-uniting-american-families-act/ Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:11:38 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/america-supports-passage-of-the-uniting-american-families-act/
6 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/dutch-american-couples-take-center-stage-in-new-york/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/dutch-american-couples-take-center-stage-in-new-york/ Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:11:38 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/dutch-american-couples-take-center-stage-in-new-york/
10 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/john-kerry-accepting-his-2009-safe-haven-award-video/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/john-kerry-accepting-his-2009-safe-haven-award-video/ Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:11:38 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/john-kerry-accepting-his-2009-safe-haven-award-video/
7 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/10-questions-for-blabbeando/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/10-questions-for-blabbeando/ Wed, 24 Jun 2009 06:33:41 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/10-questions-for-blabbeando/
Two issues: The economic downturn as well as immigration reform. They might not be seen as 'gay' issues, per se, but, as part of the larger Latino community, they impact LGBT Latinos as much as the rest.

2 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/catholic-bishops-urge-immigration-reform-for-everyone-except-gays/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/catholic-bishops-urge-immigration-reform-for-everyone-except-gays/ Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:12:58 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/catholic-bishops-urge-immigration-reform-for-everyone-except-gays/ But earlier this month several Catholic Bishops said they will not support any immigration bill that includes protections for gay and lesbian couples… and Bishop John C. Wester of Salt Lake City, the chairman of the Catholic bishops' Committee on Migration, wrote to Congress that the Uniting American Families Act designed to eliminate discrimination in immigration law against gay and lesbian couples, would "erode the institution of marriage and family," by taking a position that is "contrary to the very nature of marriage which pre-dates the Church and the State" if passed….
But yesterday at the spring meeting of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in San Antonio, Texas, the Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Francis George, the President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, issued a call to President Obama and Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform before the end of 2009…

11 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/what-michelangelo-signorile-said-about-uafa/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/what-michelangelo-signorile-said-about-uafa/ Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:12:38 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/what-michelangelo-signorile-said-about-uafa/
9 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/ex-mayor-becomes-example-of-gay-partners-immigration-dilemma-2/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/ex-mayor-becomes-example-of-gay-partners-immigration-dilemma-2/ Tue, 23 Jun 2009 05:12:38 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/ex-mayor-becomes-example-of-gay-partners-immigration-dilemma-2/ They had to move, he said, because there was no legal way for them to remain together in the United States.

"It wasn't a decision that any U.S. citizen should have to make," former Mayor J.W. Lown said in an interview from Mexico. "I left a home. I left a ranch. I left a promising political career."
His local prominence and his run for the border on the day he was supposed to be sworn in for a fourth term caused jaws to drop, but it also became a high-profile example of the thousands of Americans who face a similar choice - separate or move abroad - because they can't secure green cards for their partners like ...

15 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/how-exactly-should-the-government-go-about-discouraging-homosexuality/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/how-exactly-should-the-government-go-about-discouraging-homosexuality/ Sat, 20 Jun 2009 06:14:07 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/how-exactly-should-the-government-go-about-discouraging-homosexuality/
That is not to say that its agenda isn't misguided and offensive - it is - but simply to note that, by and large, people from FRC tend not to say particularly radical things that expose the hostility toward gays that underlies much of their work.

Ignoring the obvious hypocrisy of the fact that Sprigg doesn't think people should get special rights for "choosing" to be gay while they do deserve special rights for choosing to be ... say, Christian, I'm curious to know just what Sprigg thinks that the government should be doing in order to "discourage" homosexuality?

Tax it? Oppress it? Make it a criminal offense?

14 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/is-obamas-same-sex-partners-policy-enough/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/is-obamas-same-sex-partners-policy-enough/ Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:30:45 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/is-obamas-same-sex-partners-policy-enough/
13 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/the-debate-over-federal-benefits-for-gay-couples/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/the-debate-over-federal-benefits-for-gay-couples/ Thu, 18 Jun 2009 05:27:37 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/the-debate-over-federal-benefits-for-gay-couples/
It's interesting that the federal government now recognizes that gay couples should be afforded the same priveleges as heterosexuals in one arena, but not in another: immigration....

10 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/lets-talk-immigration/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/lets-talk-immigration/ Tue, 16 Jun 2009 04:42:13 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/lets-talk-immigration/
Now is when I interject that my sister married some guy from the other side of the world whom she met in a Star Trek chat-room. I am not kidding you (and yes, we were all so proud). Oh, he is now an American citizen - BECAUSE HE CAN BE.

And like everything else dealing with the GLBT community, it is not smooth sailing ahead. Oh, well, when you put it like that, by all means, let's just back burner the whole thing and continue to make the GLBT community pay a higher price than anyone else in this country to BE citizens of this country.

2 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/is-this-uafa-bill-pushing-things-a-bit/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/is-this-uafa-bill-pushing-things-a-bit/ Sun, 14 Jun 2009 03:18:32 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/is-this-uafa-bill-pushing-things-a-bit/
15 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/immigration-reform-faith-based-or-not-and-same-sex-marriage/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/immigration-reform-faith-based-or-not-and-same-sex-marriage/ Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:28:05 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/immigration-reform-faith-based-or-not-and-same-sex-marriage/ The bishops' staff director for immigration policy added that "the last thing the national immigration debate needs is another politically divisive issue added to the mix."
And the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, leader of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, an Evangelical group, called Leahy's measure a "slap in the face" of right-thinking immigration advocates like himself.

I was taught to take seriously the words, "whom God hath joined together let no one put asunder."
These days I think it's almost funny to hear pundits wondering why so many Americans, including so many Catholics, are giving up on religion altogether. Could it be on account of blinkered morality and irrational antics like this? Gee, I don't know: Could it?

8 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/uafa-and-sex-discrimination-letter-to-senator/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/uafa-and-sex-discrimination-letter-to-senator/ Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:27:53 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/uafa-and-sex-discrimination-letter-to-senator/
First of all, by including same-sex partners, this encourages unhealthy, immoral behavior that is condemned by every major religion on the face of the earth.

Secondly, "permanent partner" is an inherently ill-defined term. What if people who aren't really "partners" (either same or different sex) say that they are just so that they can get visas, etc.? What are you going to do, watch them while they...? Do they have to sign an affidavit saying that they had sex a certain number of times and plan to continue to do it with certain frequency upon immigrating to the U.S.? For the first time ever, your voter eligibility may be determined by how much SEX you've had! This gives new meaning to the term ....

12 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/obamas-hope-and-change/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/obamas-hope-and-change/ Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:58:56 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/obamas-hope-and-change/
Now. I have to believe he's getting anachronistic and piss poor advice from his handlers. I have to believe that he's ignoring his own strong political instincts for the sake of larger projects like - yanno - rescuing the American economy and ensuring affordable health care for all. Clearly, these are big, momentous challenges. No one's denying that. But neither is it impossible for a President, in the midst of such challenges, to repeal discrimination where he sees it. One can walk and chew gum, after all.

What's new, what's interesting, is that lately the punches from political and religious gay bashing organizations like National Organization for Marriage and Focus on the Family really haven't been landing like they used to. In fact, with their over the top theatricality and rosary bead rattling they've actually been striking at the very rationale those organizations exist to promote. This is SIGNIFICANT. It means that we're in a new and unprecedented moment of transformation.

It's time to act.

13 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/congress-considers-equal-immigration/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/congress-considers-equal-immigration/ Tue, 09 Jun 2009 06:58:34 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/congress-considers-equal-immigration/
2 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/behind-the-veil-americas-anti-immigration-network-roy-beck-numbersusa-linked-to-white-supremacists/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/behind-the-veil-americas-anti-immigration-network-roy-beck-numbersusa-linked-to-white-supremacists/ Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:09:02 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/behind-the-veil-americas-anti-immigration-network-roy-beck-numbersusa-linked-to-white-supremacists/
8 Vote(s) ]]> http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/uniting-american-families-act-feministing/ http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/uniting-american-families-act-feministing/ Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:31:00 -0400 ATLdave immigration equality rights http://imeq.us/info2/category/immigration-equality-rights/uniting-american-families-act-feministing/
The response from opponents has been predictable (and sort of hysterical only because it's so ridiculous )

14 Vote(s) ]]>