An estimated 36,000 Americans face a choice — separate or move abroad — because they can’t secure green cards for their partners like heterosexual spouses can., said U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-NY, citing information from the advocacy group Immigration Equality.
Bills have been introduced in Congress to treat same-sex partners like heterosexual spouses for the purposes of immigration but are likely to face a strong fight, both from gay marriage opponents and anti-immigration groups. The 1996 Defense of Marriage Act prevents immigration officials from recognizing gay marriages, even from states where they are now legal.
Proponents see the issue as a basic rights question, and Steve Ralls, a spokesman for Immigration Equality, said he believes the best chance for the legislation is as part of a larger immigration bill.
Search results for forced
Gay Couples Forced to Flee US Over Immigration Law (PinkNews-UK)
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 1079 days ago
(http://www.pinknews.co.uk)
Gays forced into tough choices with immigrant partners (Detroit Free Press)
Posted by
ExileComingHome 1079 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.
« previous1 next »
“How may I assist with these stories, if at all?...”
“My question back to you is how do we get immigration reform defined as a...”
“Watch the actual video on ABC 7's website, and you'll see that he's really...”
“Thanks. I shortened it through tinyurl. Works now....”
“Note from imeQ about this editorial: This is an independent project which...”
Feedburner
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.