Making a Difference, Once Call at a time - Yesterday, while I was on the Hill meeting with a handful of senators, I learned that FRC's noise on the immigration bill, S. 424, is having a considerable impact. After your calls and emails started pouring in, one leader told me the legislation, which would give a special resident status to same-sex partners, had become an embarrassing "spectacle." Although the bill is still active, finding support for it will be even tougher now that FRC has shined the light on its real objective: undermining marriage. If you haven't contacted your senators, please chime in this week and urge them to vote "no" on the "Uniting American Families Act."
Search results for uafa
UAFA Outreach or Overreach (Prayer Action News)
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1064 days ago
(http://prayer-and-action.blogspot.com)
US Visas for Same Sex Couples The Uniting American Families Act
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1064 days ago
(http://www.dwteck.com)
Once passed, the UAFA would stipulate a new immigration category allowing “permanent partners” of United States Citizens and Lawful Permanent Residents to acquire immigration benefits. The act itself is somewhat ingenious in that it creates a new category and therefore sidesteps a direct confrontation with the definition of marriage as stipulated in the Defense of Marriage Act. Even if US law did not acknowledge the multi-national couple’s relationship status, it would probably bestow substantially similar immigration rights as those accorded to married people of the opposite sex. As time goes on and more local jurisdictions begin recognizing same sex marriage, the Defense of Marriage Act will become somewhat innocuous and irrelevant because many of the several states will recognize the union and Federal benefits will be granted based upon the usage of different terminology to define ..
Focus on UAFA not CIR (Melanie Nathan)
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1064 days ago
(http://oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com)
Adopting this plan means letting go of organization ego’s desires to triumph by being the one to claim the finish lines. No one is taking leadership, nor any group because leadership means inclusion and delegation from grassroot to organizational.
So why would the LGBT community piggy back this and waste time and energy. There will be opposition on a vareity of principals and those extraneous principals, many more than LGBT inequality, ought not usurp our power. Arguing for ourselves in combined format is very risky in my opinion. I personally think that with a real push, UAFA can pass and sooner than we think. With all due respect tom those much wiser and more experienced than me, there is a great deal missing in our lobbying and organizational efforts. However this does not mean we should not ask for inclusion, but I would not conduct my fight in the CIR arena – w
So why would the LGBT community piggy back this and waste time and energy. There will be opposition on a vareity of principals and those extraneous principals, many more than LGBT inequality, ought not usurp our power. Arguing for ourselves in combined format is very risky in my opinion. I personally think that with a real push, UAFA can pass and sooner than we think. With all due respect tom those much wiser and more experienced than me, there is a great deal missing in our lobbying and organizational efforts. However this does not mean we should not ask for inclusion, but I would not conduct my fight in the CIR arena – w
OK Democrats Give Us the Change
Posted by
uluckidog 1064 days ago
(http://www.ocprogressive.com)
"I'd like to make it a rule: No yelling at the president until you show me a letter you have written" to your House member and two senators, says gay U.S. Rep. Barney Frank.
As lawmakers prepare to head home for their July 4 recess, key congressional allies emphasize that every member of Congress needs to hear from constituents passionate about passing legislation to move gay Americans toward equality. [...]
OK, I get it. Frank and Nadler are trying to deflect criticism of President Obama by telling us to contact our members of Congress. Fine, then. Let's call them on their bluff. We helped put them in office. We gave them our money. We gave them our time. We definitely gave them our votes. We absolutely have the right to keep petitioning them and not relent in doing so until we achieve full federal equality.
Passage of the Uniting American Families Act
As lawmakers prepare to head home for their July 4 recess, key congressional allies emphasize that every member of Congress needs to hear from constituents passionate about passing legislation to move gay Americans toward equality. [...]
OK, I get it. Frank and Nadler are trying to deflect criticism of President Obama by telling us to contact our members of Congress. Fine, then. Let's call them on their bluff. We helped put them in office. We gave them our money. We gave them our time. We definitely gave them our votes. We absolutely have the right to keep petitioning them and not relent in doing so until we achieve full federal equality.
Passage of the Uniting American Families Act
Update later in the day: It appears that this bill is a way to begin breaking the so-called comprehensive immigration reform bill that was defeated in the summer of 2007, into smaller pieces.
This morning when I was visiting the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) website to prepare my earlier post, I happened across their pitch for support of the United American Families Act (UAFA) which among other things extends immigration rights to anyone in a “permanent partnership” with someone already here in the US.
I kid you not! And, by the way, LIRS (in that pitch linked above) never mentions to its supporters this “permanent partners” business.
Family Reunification is suspended.
I still want to know how LIRS can spend time and money lobbying Congress. On their site they tell people how to write to legislators on the UAFA.
This morning when I was visiting the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) website to prepare my earlier post, I happened across their pitch for support of the United American Families Act (UAFA) which among other things extends immigration rights to anyone in a “permanent partnership” with someone already here in the US.
I kid you not! And, by the way, LIRS (in that pitch linked above) never mentions to its supporters this “permanent partners” business.
Family Reunification is suspended.
I still want to know how LIRS can spend time and money lobbying Congress. On their site they tell people how to write to legislators on the UAFA.
Shirley Tan and Family to March with Out4Immigration at San Francisco Pride 2009
Posted by
BinatUK 1065 days ago
(http://www.indybay.org)
Shirley Tan, her partner Jay Mercado, and their two children will join Out4Immigration—the all volunteer, grassroots advocate for same-sex binational couples and their families—at the San Francisco 2009 Pride Parade on Sunday, June 28th. Together, they will be marching for equal immigration rights for same-sex binational couples to remain together in the U.S. by urging Congress to pass the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
Times have changed and so have we (National Equality March)
Posted by
uluckidog 1066 days ago
(http://nationalequalitymarch.com)
My children deserve more. March with us. Like most in our community, we were crushed when Prop 8 passed. And, at first, our disappointment, our despair and our anger revolved almost exclusively around the issue of marriage. But as time has passed, we’ve begun to lose patience with our status as “less than.” Not just in our relationships, but in our schools, our jobs, our communities. Seen as “less than” by neighbors or churches or coworkers is one thing. Having our government attach its distaste for our lives by denying full equal rights to its LGBT citizens is more than we’re willing to accept. Not now. Not anymore.
The challenges we face as a community to repeal DOMA and DADT, to get Hate Crimes, the Uniting American Families Act and marriage equality into law are steep. My husband and I have experienced many successes and challenges in our years together, and we’ve learned that
The challenges we face as a community to repeal DOMA and DADT, to get Hate Crimes, the Uniting American Families Act and marriage equality into law are steep. My husband and I have experienced many successes and challenges in our years together, and we’ve learned that
UAFA A bill that could change my life (Chris and Fernando)
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 1066 days ago
(http://www.oregonlive.com)
Chris Coleman is artistic director of Portland Center Stage -A bill was introduced into the U.S. Senate recently that could change my life, and I'd like for you to know more about it. The Uniting American Families Act would allow U.S. citizens to sponsor their domestic partners who are foreign nationals for a permanent worker visa (as their straight counterparts are currently able to do under U.S. law). Why is this act important to me? My partner, Fernando and I have been together for three years.
He came to the U.S. from Mexico after completing his undergraduate degree in Philosophy. He had time to kill while his thesis was being approved, and wanted to spend time with his brothers in Denver, so he tried to get a tourist visa. Not possible. So through help from the Catholic Church he procured a student visa and came to Portland State to learn English, with the thought that
He came to the U.S. from Mexico after completing his undergraduate degree in Philosophy. He had time to kill while his thesis was being approved, and wanted to spend time with his brothers in Denver, so he tried to get a tourist visa. Not possible. So through help from the Catholic Church he procured a student visa and came to Portland State to learn English, with the thought that
What Michelangelo Signorile said about UAFA
Posted by
ATLdave 1066 days ago
(http://www.signorile.com)
To Michelangelo Signorile: I’ve been a Sirus listener for about 3 years now. I’ve learned a lot listening, you may say I’ve one of your converts, but maybe not. Now here’s something you did last week that really pissed me off.You brought up the Senate hearing on the Uniting American Families Act. Your comment was that it wasn’t as important as the other issues.You trivializing the issue is a slap in the face to those of us who have been working for years to get this bill passed ...
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Update (Gay Immigration Rights)
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 1068 days ago
(http://gayimmigration.blogspot.com)
Since it's now all but certain that the only hope for UAFA passage is for it to be included in the Comprehensive Immigration Reform, it's important to keep track of the progress (or the lack of) CIR is making in Congress.
For many immigration-related legislations such as UAFA, DREAM Act and RFA(Reuniting Families Act), CIR is both a blessing and a curse. Take UAFA as an example. Being included in CIR will definitely increase its chances of passage, but at the same time it also means that UAFA would be inevitably caught in the controversial illegal immigration debate, a problem it doesn't have to deal with as a stand-alone bill.
It's like trying to cross the Atlantic and being given two options: a small boat and a leaky cruise ship. The former won't be possible without a Herculean effort and an incredible amount of luck. While the latter sounds like a more attr
For many immigration-related legislations such as UAFA, DREAM Act and RFA(Reuniting Families Act), CIR is both a blessing and a curse. Take UAFA as an example. Being included in CIR will definitely increase its chances of passage, but at the same time it also means that UAFA would be inevitably caught in the controversial illegal immigration debate, a problem it doesn't have to deal with as a stand-alone bill.
It's like trying to cross the Atlantic and being given two options: a small boat and a leaky cruise ship. The former won't be possible without a Herculean effort and an incredible amount of luck. While the latter sounds like a more attr
Obama Administration Set To Hold Powwow With Big Gay Groups
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1069 days ago
(http://theplumline.whorunsgov.com)
Back in March the White House voiced it's support for the Uniting American Families Act UAFA which would rectify this inequality and recognize 'Permanent partners' as part of immigration law. This Legislation FINALLY is getting the ...
The Obama Justice Department has reached out to major gay rights organizations and scheduled a private meeting for next week with the groups, in an apparent effort to smooth over tensions in the wake of the controversy over the administration’s defense in court of the Defense of Marriage Act.
Tracy Russo, a spokesperson for Justice, confirmed the meeting to me, after I posted below that top gay rights lawyers were miffed that administration lawyers had rebuffed their requests to meet and discuss ongoing litigation involving DOMA.
Bratty? What if you were forced to chose between your Country and your Love? (assuming y
The Obama Justice Department has reached out to major gay rights organizations and scheduled a private meeting for next week with the groups, in an apparent effort to smooth over tensions in the wake of the controversy over the administration’s defense in court of the Defense of Marriage Act.
Tracy Russo, a spokesperson for Justice, confirmed the meeting to me, after I posted below that top gay rights lawyers were miffed that administration lawyers had rebuffed their requests to meet and discuss ongoing litigation involving DOMA.
Bratty? What if you were forced to chose between your Country and your Love? (assuming y
UAFA Sex Discrimination Part 2 (EVIL WARNING)
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1071 days ago
(http://agoodchoice.blogspot.com)
This post concerns S.424, The Uniting American Families Act. The dispute between me and those who commented center on whether the act really unites real families, or if it is all about encouraging people to engage in sinful behavior and ...
The term “intimate relationship” clearly indicates that sexual activity is a requirement that one must complete in order for one to benefit from the privileges of this bill. Now, not only does the federal government, in enforcing this law, have to make judgment about whether or not the potential immigrant is really having sex with the “permanent partner”, it must also make a judgment about whether the quantity of sex and degree of intimacy is enough to be considered an “intimate relationship”. Such a subjective choice will nicely tie up the courts while matters of real importance are set aside. But even it’s worse than that! “Both indivi
The term “intimate relationship” clearly indicates that sexual activity is a requirement that one must complete in order for one to benefit from the privileges of this bill. Now, not only does the federal government, in enforcing this law, have to make judgment about whether or not the potential immigrant is really having sex with the “permanent partner”, it must also make a judgment about whether the quantity of sex and degree of intimacy is enough to be considered an “intimate relationship”. Such a subjective choice will nicely tie up the courts while matters of real importance are set aside. But even it’s worse than that! “Both indivi
LGBT People Going to Be Left Out of Immigration Reform
Posted by
USAFrance 1071 days ago
(http://www.prospect.org)
A coalition of civil-liberties and LGBT-rights groups is rightfully outraged by Obama's reneging on his campaign promise to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and particularly by a Justice Department court brief arguing that the statute be upheld.
DOMA allows states and the federal government to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where it is legal and to deny same-sex couples civil-rights protections that married heterosexuals enjoy. As a candidate, Obama pledged to repeal DOMA. As he advocated for civil unions and equal federal protections for same-sex couples while on the campaign trail, he noted, "You don't poll whether people get treated equally or not. That is something that you do because it's right."
But it increasingly looks like Obama is feeling the pressure from religious leaders who claim to be advocating a "whole" agen
DOMA allows states and the federal government to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where it is legal and to deny same-sex couples civil-rights protections that married heterosexuals enjoy. As a candidate, Obama pledged to repeal DOMA. As he advocated for civil unions and equal federal protections for same-sex couples while on the campaign trail, he noted, "You don't poll whether people get treated equally or not. That is something that you do because it's right."
But it increasingly looks like Obama is feeling the pressure from religious leaders who claim to be advocating a "whole" agen
Just what are the same sex benefits (MSNBC)
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 1071 days ago
(http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com)
DOMA prohibits the federal government from granting same-sex couples benefits that, by law, flow from "marriage" or are granted to a "spouse" -- health benefits, for example. There are some benefits that law provides to "families" or "children" -- leave to care for a sick family member under the Family Medical Leave Act or long-term-care insurance. It's the second set that the president is moving today to grant.
Right now Families are STILL being torn apart , on a daily basis, via the discriminatory practices of our Administration’s antiquated and unfair immigration system. In 2009 thousands of Tax-paying, Lawful US Citizens are forced to either - live in exile, in the shadows, enter into sham marriages or separate.
Federal Employees or not, ALL Lawful Americans should be able to use the US immigration system regardless of their sexuality! Back in March the
Right now Families are STILL being torn apart , on a daily basis, via the discriminatory practices of our Administration’s antiquated and unfair immigration system. In 2009 thousands of Tax-paying, Lawful US Citizens are forced to either - live in exile, in the shadows, enter into sham marriages or separate.
Federal Employees or not, ALL Lawful Americans should be able to use the US immigration system regardless of their sexuality! Back in March the
Leahys Immigration Provision Sows Sex Panic Among Key Religious Groups
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1072 days ago
(http://www.rainbowzine.com)
Who is really pointing the dagger to the heart of immigration reform, the senator who seeks to include permanent partners (including gays) or the Bishops and evangelicals who oppose it? As Julia Preston reported in the New York Times a week ago, the powerful chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Patrick Leahy of Vermont, has set off a huge and mainly behind-the-scenes panic among certain religious supporters of so-called comprehensive immigration reform. Bishop John Wester, who heads the Catholic bishops’ Committee on Migration, wrote to the Congressional committee chairs who are beginning to work on immigration that Leahy’s Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) would “erode the institution of marriage and family.”
And just how “comprehensive” will immigration reform be if it fails to address the special horror of loving, stable bi-national couples being torn apart becaus
And just how “comprehensive” will immigration reform be if it fails to address the special horror of loving, stable bi-national couples being torn apart becaus
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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.