John Nechman, a Houston attorney who specializes in gay and lesbian immigration issues, said the legislation is about equal rights and family unification, and could help reduce flight of same-sex couples to the 19 countries that offer them some immigration benefits.
“It would stop the bleeding in many ways,” he said.
But the bill is facing heated opposition by anti-immigration advocates, who say it could potentially lead to fraud. A strong voice in the pro-immigrant movement, the Catholic Church, also has taken a stand against the bill, based on the belief that marriage is strictly between a man and a woman.
The church, long supportive of a comprehensive immigration reform bill, sees the push for same-sex couples as giving “opponents another arrow in their quiver. Immigration is controversial enough, and to add another issue of national interest that is a
Search results for immigration
Immigration Law Debate Heats Up
Posted by
USAFrance 1050 days ago
(http://blogout.justout.com)
NEA calls for LGBT rights including immigration rights
Posted by
uluckidog 1051 days ago
(http://www.365gay.com)
(Washington) The National Education Association adopted two resolutions calling for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights at its annual conference last week.
The resolutions say that the organization opposes the “discriminatory treatment of same-sex couples and its belief that such couples should have the same legal rights and benefits as similarly-situated heterosexual couples.” They also call for the “passage of a federal statute prohibiting federal discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.” The NEA also committed itself to supporting the enactment of LGBT equality at local, state and federal levels.
The NEA falls short of asking for gay marriage - instead, it says:
“NEA does not believe that a single term must be used to designate this legally recognized “equal treatment” relationship, and recommends that each state decide for
The resolutions say that the organization opposes the “discriminatory treatment of same-sex couples and its belief that such couples should have the same legal rights and benefits as similarly-situated heterosexual couples.” They also call for the “passage of a federal statute prohibiting federal discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.” The NEA also committed itself to supporting the enactment of LGBT equality at local, state and federal levels.
The NEA falls short of asking for gay marriage - instead, it says:
“NEA does not believe that a single term must be used to designate this legally recognized “equal treatment” relationship, and recommends that each state decide for
Immigration Sob Story and DOMA
Posted by
JesSEA 1053 days ago
(http://www.elmada.com)
And, for 30,000 people who have had the fortune of falling in love, internationally, with the fall of DOMA, will come the right for the US citizen for spousal sponsoring. Let me be clear: US immigration rules regarding legally married same sex partners is wrong. The laws must be changed so that legally married spouses in same sex marriages can immigrate to the United States. I’m all for this. I would prefer that this be accomplished legislatively, but I’m convinced that within five years the courts will mandate it. DOMA is clearly unconstitutional and should, with the right Supreme Court justices, be turned over in the blink of an eye.
What this really needs is a married same sex couple with a proven track record of following the law. John and Damien are not the right pair. Overstaying a visa, without permission is breaking the law. I’m willing to bet that neither John nor
What this really needs is a married same sex couple with a proven track record of following the law. John and Damien are not the right pair. Overstaying a visa, without permission is breaking the law. I’m willing to bet that neither John nor
The Ins and Outs of the HIV Travel and Immigration Ban
Posted by
ATLdave 1055 days ago
(http://dc.bilerico.com)
Perversely, the ban has only served to perpetuate this stigma for 22 years, long after the science has shown that HIV is not a threat to the public's health and would not substantially burden our healthcare system. However, the new HHS rule finally puts these unfounded concerns to rest, removing previous barriers to to treatment and prevention:...Be sure to see Steve Ralls' excellent Bilerico post on lifting the ban, which includes a video on the topic by Immigration Equality.
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 - includi
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 - includi
Notice of Regulation Ending HIV Travel and Immigration Ban Imminent
Posted by
DividedByLaw 1059 days ago
(http://www.hrcbackstory.org)
I just got some updates from our policy team who have been working on the implementation of the HIV travel ban passed in Congress last year…
The regulation is out in the preview version of tomorrow’s Federal Register, which will be the start of a public comment period. Anyone can submit their thoughts on removing the ban and once the comment period is open we’ll provide you an easy opportunity to do so with a national action alert set to launch soon. After reviewing those comments, the Department of Health and Human Services will issue a final regulation.
Late last week the Office of Management and Budget indicated that they have completed review of a proposed regulation...
The regulation is out in the preview version of tomorrow’s Federal Register, which will be the start of a public comment period. Anyone can submit their thoughts on removing the ban and once the comment period is open we’ll provide you an easy opportunity to do so with a national action alert set to launch soon. After reviewing those comments, the Department of Health and Human Services will issue a final regulation.
Late last week the Office of Management and Budget indicated that they have completed review of a proposed regulation...
The Time for Immigration Reform is NOW
Posted by
DividedByLaw 1059 days ago
(http://fairimmigration.wordpress.com)
Immigration is often portrayed as an explosive, divisive issue. In reality it’s not. The immigration system is broken not just for 12 million undocumented immigrants, but also for specialized workers blocked from joining the American economy because of narrow quotas, and mothers and fathers and brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens who must wait for years before being reunited with their families.
Our nation needs comprehensive immigration policies that will replace a broken system of raids and roundups with one that protects all workers from exploitation, improves America’s security and builds strong communities. It’s time to end the division between
Our nation needs comprehensive immigration policies that will replace a broken system of raids and roundups with one that protects all workers from exploitation, improves America’s security and builds strong communities. It’s time to end the division between
Megamerge: The Dissolution Solution, by T.L. Winslow (TLW)
Posted by
tlwinslow 1061 days ago
(http://tlwinslow.weebly.com)
The age-old pesky U.S.-Mexico border problem has taxed the resources of both countries, led to long lists of injustices, and appears to be heading only for worse troubles in the future. Guess what? The border problem can never be solved. Why? Because the border IS the problem! It's time for a paradigm change.
Never fear, a satisfying, comprehensive solution is within reach: the Megamerge Dissolution Solution. Simply dissolve the border along with the failed Mexican government, and megamerge the two countries under U.S. law, with mass free 2-way migration eventually equalizing the development and opportunities permanently, with justice and without racism, and without threatening U.S. sovereignty or basic principles.
Never fear, a satisfying, comprehensive solution is within reach: the Megamerge Dissolution Solution. Simply dissolve the border along with the failed Mexican government, and megamerge the two countries under U.S. law, with mass free 2-way migration eventually equalizing the development and opportunities permanently, with justice and without racism, and without threatening U.S. sovereignty or basic principles.
Friday Immigration Review Predictions of Immigration Reform this Year
Posted by
DividedByLaw 1062 days ago
(http://immigration.change.org)
If you're wondering what is going on with immigration reform a day after Obama met with congressional leaders to discuss proposed legislation, read Kyle's overview at Citizen Orange. This is important:
the world cannot wait another year or two for U.S. migration reform. People are dying, lives are being ruined, and families are being torn apart, now.
Kos took note of the meeting, predicting that the political winds favor reform.
Ente Breed laments the U.S.'s discriminatory immigration laws on same-sex couples at Immigration Equality:
These couples have made the painful decision, dictated by U.S. immigration law, to leave the life, family and friends of their American halves behind. Their relationship, even before marriage, is recognized all over Europe, in Australia, Canada, Israel and South America. But the United States of America refuse to gra
the world cannot wait another year or two for U.S. migration reform. People are dying, lives are being ruined, and families are being torn apart, now.
Kos took note of the meeting, predicting that the political winds favor reform.
Ente Breed laments the U.S.'s discriminatory immigration laws on same-sex couples at Immigration Equality:
These couples have made the painful decision, dictated by U.S. immigration law, to leave the life, family and friends of their American halves behind. Their relationship, even before marriage, is recognized all over Europe, in Australia, Canada, Israel and South America. But the United States of America refuse to gra
Catholic Bishops urge immigration reform for everyone except Gays
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 1063 days ago
(http://lezgetreal.com)
Only through comprehensive reform can we restore the rule of law to our nation’s immigration system. We urge President Obama and congressional leaders to meet as soon as possible to discuss and draft comprehensive immigration reform legislation, with the goal of making it law by the end of 2009. The Catholic bishops of our country stand ready to assist in this effort.”
The Bishops, as well as Fierce Advocate and the Congress, need to well understand that the LGBT community, a community that already fully contributes their talents to our nation’s economic, social and spiritual well being and are registered voters, knows how to make phone calls, send E-mails, write letters to our representatives and who can work to vote those same representatives out of office… might just become extremely vocal in its opposition to any other immigration initiatives being considered if our com
The Bishops, as well as Fierce Advocate and the Congress, need to well understand that the LGBT community, a community that already fully contributes their talents to our nation’s economic, social and spiritual well being and are registered voters, knows how to make phone calls, send E-mails, write letters to our representatives and who can work to vote those same representatives out of office… might just become extremely vocal in its opposition to any other immigration initiatives being considered if our com
More Conflicting Signals (Gay Immigration Rights)
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 1063 days ago
(http://gayimmigration.blogspot.com)
The mixed signals are getting people all confused. Several lawmakers — Democrats and Republicans — said after the meeting that this year is the last chance to try again, perhaps for decades.
"We've got one more chance to do this," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. "If we fail this time around, no politician is going to take this up in a generation." ...
"We've got one more chance to do this," said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. "If we fail this time around, no politician is going to take this up in a generation." ...
Everything Gay Rights Just NOT DOMA (Gay Immigration Rights)
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 1063 days ago
(http://gayimmigration.blogspot.com)
According to sources, the Members discussed workplace discrimination, health care benefits for same-sex partners of federal employees and a repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that bars gays from openly serving in the military. The lawmakers also discussed how to help the Senate pass hate crimes legislation that has already cleared the House.
Notice something amiss? Oh yeah, they didn't mention DOMA, the one piece that has caused some much grief in the LGBT community. Somehow, despite all the outcry, DOMA Repeal still hasn't been picked up by their incredibly outdated radar....
Notice something amiss? Oh yeah, they didn't mention DOMA, the one piece that has caused some much grief in the LGBT community. Somehow, despite all the outcry, DOMA Repeal still hasn't been picked up by their incredibly outdated radar....
More On CIR (Gay Immigration Rights)
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 1064 days ago
(http://gayimmigration.blogspot.com)
According to Politico, Sen. Reid believes he has the floor votes to pass an immigration reform bill-the problem is there isn't floor time to do it. But the real challenge, according to LA Times, is in the House, where Democrats from conservative/swing districts see CIR as a liability: ... The biggest obstacle to ...
So the more reasonable timeline is still 2011, when President Obama will need Hispanic support in swing states such as New Mexico and Nevada. Most likely the White House will start the converstation on Comprehensive Immigration Reform this year and end with just that. The Senate might even introduce a CIR bill, but eventual passage this year in both the House and Senate is a tall order.
So the more reasonable timeline is still 2011, when President Obama will need Hispanic support in swing states such as New Mexico and Nevada. Most likely the White House will start the converstation on Comprehensive Immigration Reform this year and end with just that. The Senate might even introduce a CIR bill, but eventual passage this year in both the House and Senate is a tall order.
Immigration Laws affect the GLBTQ community
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1065 days ago
(http://eqfl.blogspot.com)
I am privileged enough to see my life through the lens of a gay man and an immigrant!
I left the small town where I grew up in Latin America when I was only 17 years old. After growing up in an ultra conservative family and going to private Catholic school all my life, I could not have been more excited to move the United States. I was happy because I always admired the extremely high value that Americans place on equality and freedom, and I could not wait to live my life freely as a gay man in the United States.
After finishing my undergraduate education in the United States, I decided to go for my Masters thinking it would increase my chances of finding a more competitive job that would sponsor me for immigration purposes after my student visa expired. During this job search process I realized how broken the immigration system is in this country. It became ne
I left the small town where I grew up in Latin America when I was only 17 years old. After growing up in an ultra conservative family and going to private Catholic school all my life, I could not have been more excited to move the United States. I was happy because I always admired the extremely high value that Americans place on equality and freedom, and I could not wait to live my life freely as a gay man in the United States.
After finishing my undergraduate education in the United States, I decided to go for my Masters thinking it would increase my chances of finding a more competitive job that would sponsor me for immigration purposes after my student visa expired. During this job search process I realized how broken the immigration system is in this country. It became ne
Conflicting Signals on CIR (Gay Immigration Rights)
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 1065 days ago
(http://gayimmigration.blogspot.com)
Just after the White House conceded that Comprehensive Immigration Reform is unlikely to happen this year, RollCall reported today both Senator Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer indicated they intend to introduce CIR legislation before the end of the year:
But Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) reiterated his call for doing a comprehensive immigration reform bill this year. “We have to finish health care and climate change, but being third on the list is pretty good,” Reid said, predicting that he could muster up the votes for a bill later this year.
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), who chairs the immigration subpanel, will deliver an address on immigration at Georgetown University on Wednesday and is expected to outline “the principles that will guide legislation he intends to introduce in the Senate later this year,” according to ...
But Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) reiterated his call for doing a comprehensive immigration reform bill this year. “We have to finish health care and climate change, but being third on the list is pretty good,” Reid said, predicting that he could muster up the votes for a bill later this year.
Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), who chairs the immigration subpanel, will deliver an address on immigration at Georgetown University on Wednesday and is expected to outline “the principles that will guide legislation he intends to introduce in the Senate later this year,” according to ...
Love Without Borders (CURVE FEATURE STORY)
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 1066 days ago
(http://www.curvemag.com)
“I never should have let you go to England,” sobbed my mother when I returned to Canada after a year abroad and declared my love for a British woman. It seems irrational to reproach an entire nation when your daughter comes out of the closet, but it’s hardly unreasonable to cast blame on a country when its immigration policy is denying her the right to live with the person she loves.
When I decided to complete my third year of university overseas, I had no intention of becoming one-half of a binational couple. However, when Sam knocked on my door to welcome me and introduce herself, butterflies erupted in my stomach and I knew right away my determination to avoid a long-distance relationship was going to be challenged. Our love was deepening just as the world was coming to
When I decided to complete my third year of university overseas, I had no intention of becoming one-half of a binational couple. However, when Sam knocked on my door to welcome me and introduce herself, butterflies erupted in my stomach and I knew right away my determination to avoid a long-distance relationship was going to be challenged. Our love was deepening just as the world was coming to
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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.