Five gay couples will marry in Amsterdam to protest U.S. immigration law and urge Congress to pass gay-inclusive immigration reform.
The five US-Dutch couples will be married on the “I Do Boat” next weekend by Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen.
The boat is being sponsored by the Amsterdam City Council and the Love Exiles Foundation, a group working for marriage equality in the U.S. for bi-national couples.
Search results for immigration
Amsterdam Gay Weddings Protest US Immigration Law
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 1030 days ago
(http://www.ontopmag.com)
Gay Immigration Rights DOMA Repeal Bill Will Be Introduced Soon
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 1030 days ago
(http://gayimmigration.blogspot.com)
The partial DOMA repeal that I had hoped for is just not going to deliver. All political realities considered, we're not going to see a solution to the gay immigration debacle until President Obama's second term. ...I have serious doubts that this bill will pass. I am really disappointed that this is not the "DOMA Partial Repeal Plus" that the Advocate reported a while ago, which would only repeal Section 3 but recognize any "marriage like" arrangements registered with the local government.
This, although disappointing, is not unexpected. Recent news articles have reported that LGBT activists differ on how this legislation may look, with many worrying that the "DOMA Repeal Plus" bill would only serve as a counter argument for gay marriage.
This, although disappointing, is not unexpected. Recent news articles have reported that LGBT activists differ on how this legislation may look, with many worrying that the "DOMA Repeal Plus" bill would only serve as a counter argument for gay marriage.
I plead with all pro-CIR organizations to keep the coalition together at all costs. We cannot leave any part of our coalition behind. That being said, I ask that everyone here support the inclusion of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) in Comprehensive Immigration Reform. There are approximately 40 000 same-sex binational couples that are being separated or discriminated against in immigration law. The conservatives will argue that allowing same-sex couples access to equal immigration rights is an attempt to legalize same-sex marriage. This simply is not true. Same-sex binational couples have such a difficult time remaining together in the USA that marriage is not even in the equation. It should be known that the gay and lesbian community supports CIR, so please don’t leave us behind.
i am also in gay binational relationship, i am forced to live separated from my partner for la
i am also in gay binational relationship, i am forced to live separated from my partner for la
A sensible comprehensive immigration reform package will have to include smart enforcement, a path to citizenship for the 12 million undocumented immigrants currently living and working in the U.S., elimination of family and employment-based visa backlogs, adequate visas to meet the needs of U.S. families and businesses, a new visa program for essential workers, and due process protections to restore the rule of law in our immigration adjudications and courts. AILA Welcomes Obama's Proactive Push for Comprehensive Immigration Reform This Year. It also provides a unique opportunity to “do the right thing for same sex couples”.
AILA has long supported the position that same-sex relationships should be given the same treatment under US immigration law as heterosexual couples. AILA’s Board of Governors adopted a resolution on March 21, 2001 supporting the position that same-sex
AILA has long supported the position that same-sex relationships should be given the same treatment under US immigration law as heterosexual couples. AILA’s Board of Governors adopted a resolution on March 21, 2001 supporting the position that same-sex
please come back and read my highlighted section and comment… thanks,
I am highlighting the following part of the Report – those in the “know” please comment…. or anyone for that matter!!
“Sadly, Joe and Steve’s case is not unique. Immigration Equality, with offices in D.C. and New York, estimates there are 36,000 bi-national same-sex couples in this country either facing separation or who have already been separated by U.S. immigration law. About half of those couples have children. On Capitol Hill, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) has been pushing the Uniting American Families Act for nearly a decade. His bill would allow partners to sponsor their partners of either sex, rather than opposite-sex spouses alone. That effort was recently integrated into broader immigration-reform legislation, the Reuniting Families Act, sponsored by Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.). Sen. Patric
I am highlighting the following part of the Report – those in the “know” please comment…. or anyone for that matter!!
“Sadly, Joe and Steve’s case is not unique. Immigration Equality, with offices in D.C. and New York, estimates there are 36,000 bi-national same-sex couples in this country either facing separation or who have already been separated by U.S. immigration law. About half of those couples have children. On Capitol Hill, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) has been pushing the Uniting American Families Act for nearly a decade. His bill would allow partners to sponsor their partners of either sex, rather than opposite-sex spouses alone. That effort was recently integrated into broader immigration-reform legislation, the Reuniting Families Act, sponsored by Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.). Sen. Patric
Immigration reform part 2 (The Thinker)
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1036 days ago
(http://onemorecup.wordpress.com)
The full text of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), further expanded to provide rights to the children or step-children of the foreign-born partner, is included as Title II of the Reuniting Families Act (H.R. 2709), an immigration reform bill, introduced in the United States House of Representatives on June 4, 2009, by California Congressman Michael Honda (D-CA).
The UAFA was introduced in the United States Senate on February 12, 2009, by Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). There are currently 20 cosponsors of this bill in the United States Senate.
The UAFA was introduced during the 111th Congress, to the United States House of Representatives on February 12, 2009, by New York Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). There are currently 115 cosponsors of this bill in the United States House of Representatives.
Before going into specifics on thi
The UAFA was introduced in the United States Senate on February 12, 2009, by Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT). There are currently 20 cosponsors of this bill in the United States Senate.
The UAFA was introduced during the 111th Congress, to the United States House of Representatives on February 12, 2009, by New York Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). There are currently 115 cosponsors of this bill in the United States House of Representatives.
Before going into specifics on thi
Same sex couples seek immigration benefit (Associated Press)
Posted by
DividedByLaw 1038 days ago
(http://www.google.com)
Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., said he doubted the legislation would pass this Congress. He said it amounts to a redefinition of marriage and would give people more opportunities to come into the United States fraudulently.
"It seems we would be creating a special preference and benefit for a category of immigrants based on a relationship that's not recognized by federal law and overwhelmingly by most states," Sessions said.
Rickard said she may reluctantly move to Great Britain or another country when her partner's current travel visa expires in November. Bogliolo, however, said she would prefer to live in the U.S. for her partner's sake.
"Judy has elderly parents and family here and she's also lived here all her life whereas I've lived in many different countries," Bogliolo said. "I think Judy would find it very difficult after a whole life in San J
"It seems we would be creating a special preference and benefit for a category of immigrants based on a relationship that's not recognized by federal law and overwhelmingly by most states," Sessions said.
Rickard said she may reluctantly move to Great Britain or another country when her partner's current travel visa expires in November. Bogliolo, however, said she would prefer to live in the U.S. for her partner's sake.
"Judy has elderly parents and family here and she's also lived here all her life whereas I've lived in many different countries," Bogliolo said. "I think Judy would find it very difficult after a whole life in San J
Immigration Reform Must Include Same sex Couples
Posted by
DividedByLaw 1038 days ago
(http://gayapartheid.blogspot.com)
Steve RallsDirector of Communications at Immigration Equality has written a column on Huffington Post about Steve & Joe.The Washington, D.C. couple, who have been together for almost a decade, recently bought a new home in the city's Columbia Heights neighborhood. Two weeks ago, they were married in Connecticut. And in early August, they will celebrate their life together with friends and family who will gather to toast the couple and salute their commitment to each other.
But there will be no gifts at Steve and Joe's Washington celebration. Instead of registering at Macy's or collecting appliances and furnishings, they have asked guests to make a contribution that, they hope, will help them stay together. Despite their strong commitment to each other, and the life they have built together, Steve and Joe face separation before year's end because of the country's blatantly d
But there will be no gifts at Steve and Joe's Washington celebration. Instead of registering at Macy's or collecting appliances and furnishings, they have asked guests to make a contribution that, they hope, will help them stay together. Despite their strong commitment to each other, and the life they have built together, Steve and Joe face separation before year's end because of the country's blatantly d
Steve and Joe live in the shadow of the capital, both literally and figuratively.
The Washington, D.C. couple, who have been together for almost a decade, recently bought a new home in the city's Columbia Heights neighborhood. Two weeks ago, they were married in Connecticut. And in early August, they will celebrate their life together with friends and family who will gather to toast the couple and salute their commitment to each other.
The Washington, D.C. couple, who have been together for almost a decade, recently bought a new home in the city's Columbia Heights neighborhood. Two weeks ago, they were married in Connecticut. And in early August, they will celebrate their life together with friends and family who will gather to toast the couple and salute their commitment to each other.
No one said it was going to be easy, but six months into President Obama's term his approval rating has dropped below 60 percent, with more people disapproving his handling of the economy and deficit than not. From his recent pressers and speeches, it appears that President Obama is going to spend the bulk of his remaining political capital on health care reform, a signature issue during his campaign.
With President Obama going "all in" with health care, what does it mean for the other issues, such as comprehensive immigration reform and gay rights?
Well, it's apparent that...
With President Obama going "all in" with health care, what does it mean for the other issues, such as comprehensive immigration reform and gay rights?
Well, it's apparent that...
Immigration Equality (Org) Failing and Lacking Effective Leadership (Melanie Nathan)
Posted by
BinatUK 1038 days ago
(http://lezgetreal.com)
As my readers know I have expressed a great deal of concern with how the Uniting American Families Act has been handled by our self-appointed-by-ommission-leadership. It is sad, yet validating to note the comments of Congresswoman Speier on UAFA’s unlikely passage. Albeit it disturbing news, I believe it can and ought to serve as a titanic wake up call to bi-nationals, supporters and the LGBT community as a whole. It is time to fight for UAFA and it must be NOW
To me this is indicative of the very problem that I and many others have been concerned about and I am willing to go out on a limb to assert UAFA has not gained traction for the following reasons
1. Lack of involvement and utilization of grassroots groups;
2. Failure to use the stories of bi-nationals as a poignant tool...
3. Lack of effective leadership by Immigration Equality...
To me this is indicative of the very problem that I and many others have been concerned about and I am willing to go out on a limb to assert UAFA has not gained traction for the following reasons
1. Lack of involvement and utilization of grassroots groups;
2. Failure to use the stories of bi-nationals as a poignant tool...
3. Lack of effective leadership by Immigration Equality...
Preparing Our Exile Immigration Law Options
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1041 days ago
(http://preparingourexile.blogspot.com)
So let's talk for a minute about what laws would need to change for Alex and me to stay here....It's possible that something will change, but I really don't expect to see movement on these issues unless Obama wins a second term. We're quickly running out of runway for this term, because gay issues will be swept under the rught in 2010 for the mid-term elections, and after that it will be Presidential re-election time, so if it doesn't happen this year, it likely won't happen until late 2012 or sometime in 2013.
As a couple, Alex and I don't have that kind of time. That's the reason for this blog, and that's the reason that we're preparing our exile....
THERE ARE 1,138 FEDERAL RIGHTS ASSOCIATED WITH MARRIAGE. BECAUSE WE ARE GAY, ONE OF THOSE RIGHTS WILL FORCE US TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY OR LIVE APART. THIS BLOG WILL COVER OUR JOURNEY.
As a couple, Alex and I don't have that kind of time. That's the reason for this blog, and that's the reason that we're preparing our exile....
THERE ARE 1,138 FEDERAL RIGHTS ASSOCIATED WITH MARRIAGE. BECAUSE WE ARE GAY, ONE OF THOSE RIGHTS WILL FORCE US TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY OR LIVE APART. THIS BLOG WILL COVER OUR JOURNEY.
Love knows no boundaries but US immigration laws
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1048 days ago
(http://www.immigrantconnect.org)
A slight feeling of dread would creep into Jim Danaher’s heart every time his boyfriend, Christof Spiesschaert, left the country. While Christof, a Belgian citizen, had a valid tourist visa, the document did not guarantee he would be let back into the U.S. once he left its borders. Entering the U.S. is under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol,a separate department from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services which grants visas.
Early last April when Jim found himself waiting for Christof to come striding into the arrival waiting area long after Christof’s plane from Mexico had landed at Chicago O’Hare, Jim knew something was wrong.
The couple had been in a relationship for about a year and a half after meeting in Florida in late 2004 while they were both on vacation. After the two exchanged a few short visits, including a Valentine’s D
Early last April when Jim found himself waiting for Christof to come striding into the arrival waiting area long after Christof’s plane from Mexico had landed at Chicago O’Hare, Jim knew something was wrong.
The couple had been in a relationship for about a year and a half after meeting in Florida in late 2004 while they were both on vacation. After the two exchanged a few short visits, including a Valentine’s D
Immigration law should be fair to gay couples
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 1049 days ago
(http://www.detnews.com)
The Uniting American Families Act, pending in the House and Senate, would fix the problem by recognizing gay "permanent partners" in immigration law.
The legislation -- sponsored by heavy hitters Leahy in the Senate and Jerry Nadler, who chairs a House Judiciary subcommittee -- would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act so partners of gay U.S. citizens or of lawful permanent residents could legally settle here.
Eligibility rules -- and the hefty penalties for fraud -- would be virtually the same as for married heterosexuals. Nineteen countries -- including Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain and Spain -- have already taken such steps.
The legislation -- sponsored by heavy hitters Leahy in the Senate and Jerry Nadler, who chairs a House Judiciary subcommittee -- would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act so partners of gay U.S. citizens or of lawful permanent residents could legally settle here.
Eligibility rules -- and the hefty penalties for fraud -- would be virtually the same as for married heterosexuals. Nineteen countries -- including Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain and Spain -- have already taken such steps.
Immigration rules need reform
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 1049 days ago
(http://www.courier-journal.com)
Shortly before dawn on Jan. 28, a knock at the door turned the idyllic life of Shirley Tan and her family upside-down.
"I was handcuffed and taken away, like a criminal," Tan recently told the Senate Judiciary Committee, which called a first-ever hearing to look into the outrageous harm done to gay bi-national families by locking them out of the protections built into immigration law for heterosexual spouses of U.S. citizens.
It's wrong for partners of gay U.S. citizens to be so vulnerable. And it's long past time for Congress to help gay bi-national couples, many of whom now must live apart, connected only by cell phones and occasional visits.
"I was handcuffed and taken away, like a criminal," Tan recently told the Senate Judiciary Committee, which called a first-ever hearing to look into the outrageous harm done to gay bi-national families by locking them out of the protections built into immigration law for heterosexual spouses of U.S. citizens.
It's wrong for partners of gay U.S. citizens to be so vulnerable. And it's long past time for Congress to help gay bi-national couples, many of whom now must live apart, connected only by cell phones and occasional visits.
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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.