In light of all this, I believe that any American tourist to Mexico should support reforming immigration laws in the United States to create more pathways to legalization. I feel particularly strongly that the queer people and women who make up the primary audience of this blog, who have themselves experienced what it is like to feel invisible, to feel underrepresented in the country in which you live, need to add their voices to the growing chorus of those calling for more just immigration reform.
Although I believe that the United States needs broad immigration reform across immigrant populations, as half of a bi-national lesbian couple and as the teacher of many undocumented high school students, I can recommend two good places to start: the DREAM Act and the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA)....
Search results for immigration
Responsible Tourism and Immigration Reform
Posted by
uluckidog 1007 days ago
(http://www.machamexico.com)
"We need to provide a pathway to legalization for the 35,000 bi-national same sex couples currently living here. U.S. immigration policy is largely based on the principle of family reunification, allowing for the sponsor of spouses and other family members for immigration purposes. But because of a limited definition of family and the failure to recognize same-sex marriages, same-sex partners of U.S. citizens and green card holders are not considered as family. API couples are more likely to be kept apart, torn apart, or forced to stay together illegally, because of high numbers of foreign-born individuals in the API community."
The Wall Street Journal Reports upon US Immigration Issues
Posted by
DividedByLaw 1009 days ago
(http://integrity-legal.com)
“President Obama continues his quiet retreat from a campaign pledge to make comprehensive immigration reform “a top priority in my first year as President.” Following a summit meeting in Guadalajara last week with the leaders of Mexico and Canada, Mr. Obama said that an immigration overhaul will have to wait until next year.”
In the next Congressional session it is hoped that Comprehensive Immigration Reform will be dealt with and the current problems associated with large numbers of illegal aliens in the United States will finally be put to rest. Of further concern to some immigration equality advocates is the issue of US family based visas for couples of the same sex. Currently the Defense of Marriage Act bars the Federal government from granting US Immigration benefits based upon a same sex marriage or an intent to enter into a same sex marriage.
However, t
In the next Congressional session it is hoped that Comprehensive Immigration Reform will be dealt with and the current problems associated with large numbers of illegal aliens in the United States will finally be put to rest. Of further concern to some immigration equality advocates is the issue of US family based visas for couples of the same sex. Currently the Defense of Marriage Act bars the Federal government from granting US Immigration benefits based upon a same sex marriage or an intent to enter into a same sex marriage.
However, t
Asian groups trying to push immigration reform to top of agenda
Posted by
BinatUK 1009 days ago
(http://www.sgvtribune.com)
They have also turned up the heat on the already highly controversial immigration debate by including rights for same-sex couples in their desired reforms.
About 36,000 same-sex binational couples live in the United States, and those in which one of the partners is legal but the other is not are not allowed to apply for residency the way heterosexual couples can.
Because the Asian Pacific Islanders' call for immigration reform is largely based on family reunification, same-sex immigration reform is a natural fit, Sadhwani said.
Family reunification is the primary reason Asians and Pacific Islanders come to the United States. And though a path to citizenship exists for most family members of U.S. citizens and green card holders, many wait for years in their home countries to get a visa, according to the APALC.
About 36,000 same-sex binational couples live in the United States, and those in which one of the partners is legal but the other is not are not allowed to apply for residency the way heterosexual couples can.
Because the Asian Pacific Islanders' call for immigration reform is largely based on family reunification, same-sex immigration reform is a natural fit, Sadhwani said.
Family reunification is the primary reason Asians and Pacific Islanders come to the United States. And though a path to citizenship exists for most family members of U.S. citizens and green card holders, many wait for years in their home countries to get a visa, according to the APALC.
Bringing the LGBT and immigration communities together
Posted by
ATLdave 1011 days ago
(http://neworganizing.com)
The universal response when I first told people that NOI was gathering LGBT and immigration bloggers/organizations together was: "Why?"
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...
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...
Close your eyes and imagine that all of your family overseas resides here near you in the United States. Now imagine that because of antiquated legislation those loved ones are barred from joining you state-side. This disheartening separation is what bi-national same-sex couples are subjected to under current U.S. immigration law. Although immigration law is supposed to work in favor of family unification, it discriminates against gays and lesbians by preventing them from sponsoring their foreign national partners.
The current immigration system draws its bows of injustice from two different angles. Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), U.S. citizens and permanent residents may petition for family-based immigration – but because same-sex partners are not considered “spouses”, gay Americans cannot file residency for their partners.
The gap betwee
The current immigration system draws its bows of injustice from two different angles. Under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), U.S. citizens and permanent residents may petition for family-based immigration – but because same-sex partners are not considered “spouses”, gay Americans cannot file residency for their partners.
The gap betwee
HRC Finally Grew a Pair (Gay Immigration Rights)
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 1018 days ago
(http://gayimmigration.blogspot.com)
Risking irrelevance in the face of brave grassroots movement such as the Dallas Principles , HRC has finally come around. They just announced the launch of the "No Excuses" campaign, urging members to meet with lawmakers in their districts to push pro-LGBT legislations.
The agenda didn't mention UAFA by name but it's No. 4 on the list. HRC has always been vocal in their support of the legislation, so it's not surprising. "End the painful separation of families by recognizing permanent same-sex couples under immigration laws."...
The agenda didn't mention UAFA by name but it's No. 4 on the list. HRC has always been vocal in their support of the legislation, so it's not surprising. "End the painful separation of families by recognizing permanent same-sex couples under immigration laws."...
Push For UAFA Passage Out4Immigration Deploys
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1022 days ago
(http://oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com)
The ‘UAFA Waiting List’ is one no one wants to be on – it is one that keeps binational exiles abroad, others in hiding, and inter alia some fifty year olds pleading to stop time so that they are not sixty by the time they get to cohabit with their spouses/partners.
This year a synchronicity of events and increased sponsorship of UAFA gives us hope that maybe we can gain more support in this Congress in a push for passage of the Uniting American Families Act. We are urging fast and prompt action ...
Binational couples need your help. Unlike other unfortunate discriminatory practices against our community, here in the US and abroad, this is the one that either keeps partners apart or forces them to choose between heart and home....
This year a synchronicity of events and increased sponsorship of UAFA gives us hope that maybe we can gain more support in this Congress in a push for passage of the Uniting American Families Act. We are urging fast and prompt action ...
Binational couples need your help. Unlike other unfortunate discriminatory practices against our community, here in the US and abroad, this is the one that either keeps partners apart or forces them to choose between heart and home....
Immigration Equality At last a real chance (Pams House Blend)
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1023 days ago
(http://www.pamshouseblend.com)
he infamously helped defeat uafa when he was a senator, saying he supported it in theory but the legislation was prone to abuse (which was hogwash). so, will he be pressuring congress to keep this out of the comprehensive immigration ...Hopefully the majority of the LGBT community will be support an inclusive CIR. Any LGBT persons not supporting immigration reform because it doesn't "apply" to them is in the same warped state of mind as "those" LGBT that consistently vote GOP; you are voting against your own right.
HRC Says DOMA Must Go (Gay Immigration Rights)
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 1023 days ago
(http://gayimmigration.blogspot.com)
After urging their members to talk to their lawmakers about the LGBT agenda (DOMA Repeal chief among them) during the August Recess, HRC has followed with a survey intended to show congress the damage DOMA is doing to LGBT families.
Like many others in the community, I have always been skeptical of HRC in their ability and willingness to speak for the grassroots. But if this time they truly put their weight behind the DOMA repeal, I'm more than willing to open my wallet and donate money. Joe Solomonese can have as many galas as he likes if my family can enjoy some real rights.
Like many others in the community, I have always been skeptical of HRC in their ability and willingness to speak for the grassroots. But if this time they truly put their weight behind the DOMA repeal, I'm more than willing to open my wallet and donate money. Joe Solomonese can have as many galas as he likes if my family can enjoy some real rights.
Feingold is an interesting choice since Wisconsin will have a limited domestic partnership law in place by October, but his constituents won't be able to benefit from the DOMA Repeal as it will only recognize marriage, but not civil union/domestic partnership. So I don't know how enthusiatic he'd be in pushing a DOMA repeal. Granted, it may allow people living in states where gay marriage is not legal to get married in states where it is and enjoy federal benefits.
Now, if it doesn't pass in this session (2009), I don't see how it can get picked up by the next session, where midterm election will be on everyone's mind and controversial topics are avoided at all costs.
But we should take comfort in the fact that progress is happening, albeit at a much lower pace than we'd like. That's the political reality....
Now, if it doesn't pass in this session (2009), I don't see how it can get picked up by the next session, where midterm election will be on everyone's mind and controversial topics are avoided at all costs.
But we should take comfort in the fact that progress is happening, albeit at a much lower pace than we'd like. That's the political reality....
Choosing between love and country
Posted by
uluckidog 1028 days ago
(http://www.washblade.com)
At last there is a real chance for immigration reform that includes same sex couples. THERE’S A BATTLE looming for LGBT families that we can win now — a battle to keep lesbians and gays from literally being torn from our same-sex partners. Discriminatory immigration laws are causing LGBT families needless suffering.
CONGRESS AND THE White House are committed to moving forward with comprehensive immigration reform. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), chair of the subcommittee charged with overseeing immigration, recently said that he will have a bill ready for consideration by Labor Day. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised, once the Senate votes on its version, to bring a similar measure to a vote in her chamber, too.?
Including our families in comprehensive immigration reform, if successful, will not only be a watershed moment for couples impacted directly by discriminatory immigra
CONGRESS AND THE White House are committed to moving forward with comprehensive immigration reform. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), chair of the subcommittee charged with overseeing immigration, recently said that he will have a bill ready for consideration by Labor Day. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised, once the Senate votes on its version, to bring a similar measure to a vote in her chamber, too.?
Including our families in comprehensive immigration reform, if successful, will not only be a watershed moment for couples impacted directly by discriminatory immigra
Immigration obstacles for same sex couples (Queery Radio)
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1028 days ago
(http://queery-wort.blogspot.com)
Tonight we looked at proposed immigration reform to remedy discrimination against same-sex couples. Pamela Hathaway, a longtime Madison resident who is married to Frenchwoman Lucie Ferrari, talked about navigating the U.S. and Canadian immigration systems in an effort to live in the same country as her wife, Lucie Ferrari. And we chatted with Julie Kruse of Immigration Equality about prospects for the Uniting American Families Act, which would enable Americans to sponsor a same-sex spouse or partner for immigration.
Kruse said that Wisconsin senators can play a pivotal role in moving the Uniting American Families Act, since both serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Russ Feingold has co-sponsored the act, and Kruse asked listeners to contact him to thank him and ask him to become a "champion" of the legislation. Senator Herb Kohl has not co-sponsored the legislat
Kruse said that Wisconsin senators can play a pivotal role in moving the Uniting American Families Act, since both serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senator Russ Feingold has co-sponsored the act, and Kruse asked listeners to contact him to thank him and ask him to become a "champion" of the legislation. Senator Herb Kohl has not co-sponsored the legislat
Congressmen face uphill battle to pass pro gay immigration reform
Posted by
BinatUK 1028 days ago
(http://www.ebar.com)
The two congressmen leading the fight for pro-gay immigration reform in Washington acknowledge they have an uphill fight to see their legislation passed by both the House and the Senate. The result is that binational LGBT couples face difficult decisions about where to live or even if they can remain together. Their options are often limited.
But his bill has failed to gain traction within the House, and the legislation's co-sponsor, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo), recently acknowledged to the Bay Area Reporter it has few chances of being passed anytime soon.
But his bill has failed to gain traction within the House, and the legislation's co-sponsor, Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo), recently acknowledged to the Bay Area Reporter it has few chances of being passed anytime soon.
NCLR Rights Immigration Project
Posted by
BrenDAL 1028 days ago
(http://www.docstoc.com)
The National Center for Lesbian Rights
is committedto helping overcome the immigration
hurdles faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender immigrants. U.S. immigration law
unfairlydiscriminates against lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender (LGBT) and people with HIV and/or
AIDS. Since 1994, NCLR’s Immigration Project has
provided free legal assistance to thousands of LGBT
immigrants nationwide.Through our national
intake service, as well as through free monthly
clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area, we help LGBT
immigrants understand visas, asylum claims, and
the HIV exclusion. NCLR also provides direct
representation to LGBT immigrants in impact cases
and individual asylum claims. In addition, NCLR
provides assistance to private attorneys
representing LGBT immigrants in pr
is committedto helping overcome the immigration
hurdles faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender immigrants. U.S. immigration law
unfairlydiscriminates against lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender (LGBT) and people with HIV and/or
AIDS. Since 1994, NCLR’s Immigration Project has
provided free legal assistance to thousands of LGBT
immigrants nationwide.Through our national
intake service, as well as through free monthly
clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area, we help LGBT
immigrants understand visas, asylum claims, and
the HIV exclusion. NCLR also provides direct
representation to LGBT immigrants in impact cases
and individual asylum claims. In addition, NCLR
provides assistance to private attorneys
representing LGBT immigrants in pr
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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.