With the nation's attention still focused on health care, it may seem like comprehensive immigration reform has been swept under the rug. Don't worry--it may be quiet right now, but CIR is not dead. This past week members of Congress have shown us that immigration reform legislation is still on the agenda.
The legal center report said repealing DOMA is “an obvious and necessary step to ending federal discrimination against gay and lesbian couples.”
Entitled “A Devastating Wait: Family Unity and the Immigration Backlogs,” the report includes a long laundry list of recommendations for immigration legislation, including reclassifying spouses and minor children of legal permanent residents as immediate relatives, exempting Filipino World War II veterans from annual quotas and placing a permanent three-year cap on wait times for family-sponsored visas – which woul
Search results for bill, defines, homosexual, partners, family
Helping Same Sex Partners Enter The United States Legally
Posted by
BinatUK 930 days ago
(http://blog.ctnews.com)
Under current United States immigration law, same-sex partners, even those married in states that perform same-sex marriages, do not qualify as “spouses” for immigration purposes. Consequently, while a U.S. citizen in a heterosexual marriage can petition for a green card for his or her spouse, this option is not available for same-sex couples. In the fifteen years that I’ve practiced immigration law, I have had the privilege of helping a number of foreign nationals join their same-sex partners legally in the United States. In the absence of legislative reform, the following are methods that, with the assistance of an immigration lawyer, may be successfully employed to reunite bi-national same-sex couples.
Foreign nationals wishing to enter the country for up to six months to visit a domestic partner may apply for a travel visa at the United States consulate in their home co
Foreign nationals wishing to enter the country for up to six months to visit a domestic partner may apply for a travel visa at the United States consulate in their home co
Gay partners seeking immigration changes
Posted by
USABound 941 days ago
(http://www.post-gazette.com)
He came here nine years ago from Indonesia, a gifted young student who earned a Ph.D. in structural engineering -- on a full scholarship at the University of Pittsburgh -- met his partner at a Starbucks in Shadyside, got a job in Washington, D.C., bought a condo and got married.
And on Wednesday, he got on a plane to Indonesia -- against his will.
Because he is gay, the man calling himself "Joe Smith" -- he asked that his real name not be used because he hasn't come out to his Indonesian family -- is not recognized as married under U.S. immigration law. So, when he was laid off from his job in April, Mr. Smith lost his employment-based green card, couldn't qualify for a family-based green card -- and the deportation clock started ticking.
Today, Mr. Smith's partner, Steve Orner, will appear at a congressional briefing on a House bill that would giv
And on Wednesday, he got on a plane to Indonesia -- against his will.
Because he is gay, the man calling himself "Joe Smith" -- he asked that his real name not be used because he hasn't come out to his Indonesian family -- is not recognized as married under U.S. immigration law. So, when he was laid off from his job in April, Mr. Smith lost his employment-based green card, couldn't qualify for a family-based green card -- and the deportation clock started ticking.
Today, Mr. Smith's partner, Steve Orner, will appear at a congressional briefing on a House bill that would giv
Congress has promised to begin the process of reforming America's broken immigration system later this year. There is widespread consensus that reform is urgently needed, and a growing insistence among lawmakers that any reform effort must adhere to our nation's long-standing commitment to family unification. Under current immigration law, millions of families remain separated because of inexcusable visa backlogs, unnecessary bureaucratic paper trails and discriminatory policies that do not recognize lesbian and gay families for the purposes of equal immigration rights.
For all of those families, time is of the essence. Every day, loved ones are forcibly separated from each other. For too many, the American dream is one that cannot yet be shared with their spouse, sibling or significant other.
As Congress begins to debate immigration reform, all of our families
For all of those families, time is of the essence. Every day, loved ones are forcibly separated from each other. For too many, the American dream is one that cannot yet be shared with their spouse, sibling or significant other.
As Congress begins to debate immigration reform, all of our families
NYC Council Supports Gay Immigration Bill
Posted by
BrenDAL 962 days ago
(http://www.advocate.com)
The New York City Council passed a resolution Wednesday supporting a congressional bill to allow American citizens to sponsor their foreign-born, same-sex partners in the naturalization process.
The resolution on the Uniting American Families Act of 2009 was passed within two weeks of being introduced. Eight people, including Immigration Equality executive director Rachel Tiven, testified to the Immigration Committee on September 29 in favor of the resolution.
The resolution on the Uniting American Families Act of 2009 was passed within two weeks of being introduced. Eight people, including Immigration Equality executive director Rachel Tiven, testified to the Immigration Committee on September 29 in favor of the resolution.
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).
Ex Mayor Becomes Example Of Gay Partners Immigration Dilemma
Posted by
ATLdave 1066 days ago
(http://garibaldigay.blogspot.com)
The mayor of this West Texas sheep ranching town offered a stunning explanation when he suddenly resigned: He was in love with a man who was an illegal immigrant and had gone to Mexico.
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 ...
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 ...
Is Obamas Same Sex Partners Policy Enough
Posted by
ATLdave 1071 days ago
(http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com)
Can someone explain to me how those in the armed forces - working for Uncle Sam - are supposed to take advantage of these "benefits" under Don't Ask Don't Tell?
An immigration bill introduced in the House of Representatives last week would allow homosexuals to sponsor their “permanent partners” for residency in the United States in the same way that heterosexual married couples are allowed to do. Critics say the legislation opens the door to widespread fraud.
The Reuniting Families Act classifies the children and spouses of lawful permanent U.S. residents as “immediate relatives,” allowing them to quickly qualify for a visa. It also “ends discrimination in immigration law” by allowing same-sex “permanent partners” to reunite in the United States. Asked about countries that lack formal recognition of same-sex marriage (that would include most countries), Nadler told CNSNews.com, “presenting your marriage certificate is not it …they will ask you more questions, you will have to submit more proof.” He did not specify what kind of
The Reuniting Families Act classifies the children and spouses of lawful permanent U.S. residents as “immediate relatives,” allowing them to quickly qualify for a visa. It also “ends discrimination in immigration law” by allowing same-sex “permanent partners” to reunite in the United States. Asked about countries that lack formal recognition of same-sex marriage (that would include most countries), Nadler told CNSNews.com, “presenting your marriage certificate is not it …they will ask you more questions, you will have to submit more proof.” He did not specify what kind of
Bill Pits Immigration and Gay Marriage
Posted by
BrenDAL 1077 days ago
(http://www.wiretapmag.org)
he RFA would extend the same immigration and naturalization rights to ... LGBT binational families risk being split apart when their emotional...Despite his intention to include as many couples and families as possible in new immigration legislation, Honda’s advocacy has upset more than a few allies and adversaries. The reintroduced bill – originally proposed in 2007 – has faced the typical critics over the years, including Catholics who favor pro-immigration reform but are against gay marriage. Recently, it has also received some unusual resistance, including concerns from other pro-immigration legislators and activists. Many believe that Honda’s efforts that will crack the already unstable foundation for new immigration policy by conflating the issues, which some argue, have nothing to do with one another. Conservative Democrats are likely to reject immigration legislation with same-s
US immigration for family members may become faster
Posted by
OneVoice 1078 days ago
(http://www.workpermit.com)
If passed, new legislation will mean that families members including same-sex partners will be able to gain faster entry to the US. This is part of the ongoing efforts at immigration reform in the US. Family based immigration would be given priority; Unused visas from previous years will increase the number of visas available.
Mike Honda, who heads the caucus of Asian Americans, said that family members in some Countries have to wait decades to gain entry to the US.
"The benefits cannot be overstated," Honda said. "American workers with families by their side are happier, healthier and more able to succeed than those distanced from loved ones for years on end."
Mike Honda, who heads the caucus of Asian Americans, said that family members in some Countries have to wait decades to gain entry to the US.
"The benefits cannot be overstated," Honda said. "American workers with families by their side are happier, healthier and more able to succeed than those distanced from loved ones for years on end."
Gays forced into tough choices with immigrant partners (Detroit Free Press)
Posted by
ExileComingHome 1078 days ago
(http://www.freep.com)
They had to move, he said, because they couldn't legally 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 run for the border on the day he was supposed to be sworn in for a fourth term caused jaws to drop, but his situation 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 heterosexual spouses can.
"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 run for the border on the day he was supposed to be sworn in for a fourth term caused jaws to drop, but his situation 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 heterosexual spouses can.
US to Gay Couples Howdy Partners
Posted by
UnitedByLove 1082 days ago
(http://prayer-and-action.blogspot.com)
Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the "Uniting American Families Act," a bill that would allow homosexuals to immigrate to the U.S. with their partners under the same resident status as married spouses. As FRC has argued, there is no reason for Congress to carve out an exception to the immigration rule to accommodate these "partnerships." In my written testimony, which was submitted today to the Judiciary Committee, I reiterated the fact that "families" are legally recognized by blood, marriage, or adoption. In other words, these same-sex "partnerships" don't constitute "family" relationships.
Although Chairman Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) frames the policy as an anti-discrimination measure, the truth is, it weakens our federal law and chips away at the unique status of marriage. For the federal government to recognize homosexual pairs in any way, shape, or form
Although Chairman Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) frames the policy as an anti-discrimination measure, the truth is, it weakens our federal law and chips away at the unique status of marriage. For the federal government to recognize homosexual pairs in any way, shape, or form
US immigration targets family reunification (GlobalVisas)
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 1083 days ago
(http://www.globalvisas.com)
The rules would allow Americans to apply to have their families move to the US and would see the number of available US visas increase. This would be possible as unused US visa quotas will be passed on to the following year for use in the reunification scheme.
The proposed legislation is, however, proving controversial in some areas of the US population, such as the Catholic Church, as it allows US workers to bring their foreign same-sex partners to live with them and work in the US.
Democrat Congressman Neil Abercrombie says the legislation will not discriminate against gay people and stated, "this is something we're not backing down on."
Abercrombie adds that the lawmakers wish to learn from American history and avoid discrimination of the kind seen in the past. He explains, “there has always been somebody...after they got here, then they wanted
The proposed legislation is, however, proving controversial in some areas of the US population, such as the Catholic Church, as it allows US workers to bring their foreign same-sex partners to live with them and work in the US.
Democrat Congressman Neil Abercrombie says the legislation will not discriminate against gay people and stated, "this is something we're not backing down on."
Abercrombie adds that the lawmakers wish to learn from American history and avoid discrimination of the kind seen in the past. He explains, “there has always been somebody...after they got here, then they wanted
US lawmakers seek to ease family immigration (AFP)
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 1084 days ago
(http://www.google.com)
US lawmakers on Thursday unveiled legislation to help reunite families split apart for years by the creaky immigration system -- including, controversially, same-sex partners. It would also allow Americans to bring in same-sex partners as family members. The provision has triggered the opposition of the Roman Catholic Church, which usually supports measures to liberalize immigration.
Neil Abercrombie, a Democratic congressman from Hawaii, said that excluding gay partners was a form of discrimination of the type seen periodically throughout US history.
Neil Abercrombie, a Democratic congressman from Hawaii, said that excluding gay partners was a form of discrimination of the type seen periodically throughout US history.
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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.