You're from the United States. You fall in love with a foreign national. Straight couples have legal recourse in this situation: get married and sponsor your spouse for citizenship.
Gay couples in this situation have no legal recourse, an issue that SF Weekly recently highlighted with the stories of several same-sex couples who were separated by US immigration law, or had one partner living in the United States illegally.
Because the federal Defense of Marriage Act prohibits legal recognition of same-sex relationships, couples married in California, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont can't sponsor their spouses for citizenship either.
Democrats in the Senate have included a provision for same-sex couples in their immigration reform proposal released April 29, which will give them the same immigration rights as straight cou
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Is Immigration rights for same sex couples possible
Posted by
BinatUK 705 days ago
(http://www.sfgate.com)
In March of this year I was faced with a Sophie’s choice – I could stay in the US with my 12 year old daughter, in a shared custody arrangement; or leave her behind to go into exile with my spouse and our 4 year old. Our 4 year nightmare involved navigating the complex Immigration system to keep our family together. Had we not been of the same sex, we would have had no problems at all.
After receiving help from Senator Feinstein, I lead the effort to obtain the introduction by Senator Feinstein of Private Bill #867 for Shirley Tan and when my advocacy became public scores of binational couples began contacting me for help; and not a day goes by without a new request. I testified before the California State Assembly Judicial Committee for AJR 15 and provided written testimony to Senator Leahy for UAFA at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing June 3rd 2009. ...
After receiving help from Senator Feinstein, I lead the effort to obtain the introduction by Senator Feinstein of Private Bill #867 for Shirley Tan and when my advocacy became public scores of binational couples began contacting me for help; and not a day goes by without a new request. I testified before the California State Assembly Judicial Committee for AJR 15 and provided written testimony to Senator Leahy for UAFA at the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing June 3rd 2009. ...
Immigration Equality announces action fund
Posted by
USAFrance 879 days ago
(http://sdgln.com)
Immigration Equality, a non-profit advocacy and legal aid organization serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and HIV-positive immigrants and their families, announced today that it has established a “501(c)4” entity, the Immigration Equality Action Fund, to significantly increase its federal advocacy and grassroots organizing work. The Action Fund’s launch also includes an expanded office in Washington, D.C., where a new policy staffer and an online grassroots organizer will soon join the organization.
“The launch of the Immigration Equality Action Fund comes at a critical moment in our work to advocate on behalf of LGBT immigrant families,” said Rachel B. Tiven, the organization’s executive director. “As Congress turns its attention to comprehensive immigration reform, and as a record number of lawmakers signal their support for the Uniting American Families A
“The launch of the Immigration Equality Action Fund comes at a critical moment in our work to advocate on behalf of LGBT immigrant families,” said Rachel B. Tiven, the organization’s executive director. “As Congress turns its attention to comprehensive immigration reform, and as a record number of lawmakers signal their support for the Uniting American Families A
Senator Arlen Specter signs support for Uniting American Families Act
Posted by
USAFrance 901 days ago
(http://lezgetreal.com)
There has been a recent bevy of co-sponsors signing onto the Uniting American Families Act, the legislation that seeks to provide Lesbian and Gay Americans with the right to Petition for their same-sex spouses/ partners to live in the USA. This law merely seeks to place the words “permanent partners” into the existing Immigration and Naturalization Act. This is no time to let up, but rather imprtant that we make the most of the momentum. I have 14 couples I am trying to help remain together in the US. That is a tip of the iceberg. They are all desperate. They want to stay together and they want to stay at home. We need UAFA legialstion and awareness of the binational issue more so than ever. Please I am asking for your help.
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Today the news was immense when Senator Arlen Specter sign his support to the Bill. In June this year the Senator attended and spoke at
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Today the news was immense when Senator Arlen Specter sign his support to the Bill. In June this year the Senator attended and spoke at
UAFA Gains Influential New Cosponsor
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 901 days ago
(http://sdgln.com)
Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA), member of the Senate Judiciary Committee (and formerly that committee’s Republican Chairman), has signed on as a cosponsor of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
At last June’s Senate Judiciary Committee UAFA hearing, Specter expressed strong support for ending discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans and their families in immigration law. Immigration Equality applauds Senator Specter for his support for LGBT binational families.
Eight of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s twelve Democrats are now cosponsors of UAFA. A ninth, Senator Ted Kaufman of Delaware, recently publicly stated his support for equal immigration rights for LGBT families
At last June’s Senate Judiciary Committee UAFA hearing, Specter expressed strong support for ending discrimination against gay and lesbian Americans and their families in immigration law. Immigration Equality applauds Senator Specter for his support for LGBT binational families.
Eight of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s twelve Democrats are now cosponsors of UAFA. A ninth, Senator Ted Kaufman of Delaware, recently publicly stated his support for equal immigration rights for LGBT families
The time is now, lest immigration be maligned further. A nation born of immigrants, whether Hispanic, Asian, African, gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, we are forgetting the forbearance shown our forefathers and forgoing the ... U.S. Representative Mike Honda, who represents California’s 15th Congressional district (including Silicon Valley) has long been a supporter of immigration reform. In today’s Roll Call (popular in-game newspaper on Capitol Hill), there is an opinion piece by Congressman Honda that refreshingly includes binational same-sex couples while giving examples of why the current immigration system must be reformed....
Another constituent, Judy Rickard, will permanently leave America this November in an effort to keep her family together. Under U.S. law, she cannot be reunited with her partner, Karin Bogliolo, a UK national. Judy would have preferred to
Another constituent, Judy Rickard, will permanently leave America this November in an effort to keep her family together. Under U.S. law, she cannot be reunited with her partner, Karin Bogliolo, a UK national. Judy would have preferred to
Multipronged Approach to UAFA Strategy
Posted by
Fight4theRight 997 days ago
(http://www.unitingamericanfamilies.net)
So what I am trying to say here is… UAFA is not going to be a bill tagged on to the Comprehensive Immigration Reform bill, like the repeal of the HIV Ban was tagged on to PEPFAR last year. If this is the case, they could easily remove the bill during conference once CIR is passed. UAFA is ALREADY included in RFA… so if they want to remove UAFA from CIR during conference or during floor vote/debate, they would have to remove RFA entirely.
Pushing for the passage of UAFA is ongoing and will never stop, but it is also important to note that immigration law is discriminatory on so many levels and we need to stand up and support CIR. The majority of the immigrant community has stood up in support of our issue and supports the inclusion of UAFA in CIR… Our representative, Rep. Honda, and many progressive organizations have the political will to stand out and advocate for our i
Pushing for the passage of UAFA is ongoing and will never stop, but it is also important to note that immigration law is discriminatory on so many levels and we need to stand up and support CIR. The majority of the immigrant community has stood up in support of our issue and supports the inclusion of UAFA in CIR… Our representative, Rep. Honda, and many progressive organizations have the political will to stand out and advocate for our i
NCLR Supports AJR 15 and the Uniting American Families Act
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1001 days ago
(http://nclrights.wordpress.com)
The National Center for Lesbian Rights is pleased to support Resolution AJR 15, which would put California on record in support of the federal Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
UAFA is a proposed bill that would remove the legal barriers to immigration by permanent same-sex partners. It would provide same-sex couples with the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex couples.
Read NCLR’s letter of support...
UAFA is a proposed bill that would remove the legal barriers to immigration by permanent same-sex partners. It would provide same-sex couples with the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex couples.
Read NCLR’s letter of support...
On August 18th, 2009, I appeared before the California Assembly’s Judiciary Committee with Ms Gina Caprio, Melanie Nathan, Equality California (EQCA)& Asian American for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE) to present testimony in support of Assembly Joint Resolution 15 (AJR15). This resolution was introduced by Assemblyman De Leon in support of Uniting American Families Act which if passed in congress will allow an American citizen to sponsor his/her same sex partner for a green card by adding 3 more words, “or permanent partner” after spouse in immigration law.
The resolution passed the committee on a party line vote of 6 – 3 and it is now headed to the floor of California’s Assembly for a vote. If the resolution passed, it would put the state of California on record as supporting UAFA as well as its inclusion in the Reuniting Families Act (RFA) as introduced by Rep Mike Hon
The resolution passed the committee on a party line vote of 6 – 3 and it is now headed to the floor of California’s Assembly for a vote. If the resolution passed, it would put the state of California on record as supporting UAFA as well as its inclusion in the Reuniting Families Act (RFA) as introduced by Rep Mike Hon
Sacramento – Today, the Assembly Judiciary Committee passed three resolutions with a 6-3 vote of the committee on critical federal laws affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people including a resolution in support of the Uniting American Families Act (AJR 15).
"It is important for California, the state with the largest LGBT population, to urge the federal government to repeal discriminatory federal policies that ultimately hurt all people in the United States," said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. "We have more potential now than ever before to make a positive impact at the federal level, and we call on Congress and the President to seize this historic opportunity."
The measure formally requests that the United States Congress pass and President Barack Obama sign the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA). "Thousands of American families a
"It is important for California, the state with the largest LGBT population, to urge the federal government to repeal discriminatory federal policies that ultimately hurt all people in the United States," said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. "We have more potential now than ever before to make a positive impact at the federal level, and we call on Congress and the President to seize this historic opportunity."
The measure formally requests that the United States Congress pass and President Barack Obama sign the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA). "Thousands of American families a
I've written to 6 local newspapers, well local to Carterville, Illinois, urging the readers to write to their senator or congressman to request support for the Uniting American Families Act, which would help to end discrimination and gain equality regarding spousal sponsorship immigration rules. I have no idea if they all or even any or them will print my letters, but I'm hopeful, one The Southern Illinoisian, emailed me requesting I shorten my letter to 250 words, their editorial maximum, so ya never know, they may print it up!
Today President Obama confirmed some of my fears in so far as they relate to Uniting American Families Act - UAFA and comprehensive immigration reform (CIR).
“I’ve got a lot on my plate and it’s very important for us to sequence these big initiatives so they don’t crash at the same time,” Obama said when asked by a reporter about the prospects for immigration reform.”
I am calling on Immigration Equality to re strategize and change their course back to the original focus. The focus on UAFA, what it represents to binationals currently in exile or in hiding, its use to raise funds for IE has veered off ...
“I’ve got a lot on my plate and it’s very important for us to sequence these big initiatives so they don’t crash at the same time,” Obama said when asked by a reporter about the prospects for immigration reform.”
I am calling on Immigration Equality to re strategize and change their course back to the original focus. The focus on UAFA, what it represents to binationals currently in exile or in hiding, its use to raise funds for IE has veered off ...
Uniting American families might not be that easy
Posted by
uluckidog 1037 days ago
(http://hastalosgatosquierenzapatos.blogspot.com)
It is entirely possible that adding the same-sex couples provision into the mix could make it harder to pass an immigration overhaul.
As expected, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who usually champion immigration fights, said it would not support a measure that has a same-sex provision.
This group went to far as to write to Representative Mike Honda, insisting that the provision would "erode the institution of marriage and family by according marriage-like immigration benefits to same sex relationships."
Excuse me? Are they that insulated, or do they have their heads up their asses? Have they really not noticed that heterosexuals have single-handedly eroded the institution of marriage all by themselves? Perhaps if they visit the GOP side of the aisle they can see marriage erosion up close and personal.
As expected, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, who usually champion immigration fights, said it would not support a measure that has a same-sex provision.
This group went to far as to write to Representative Mike Honda, insisting that the provision would "erode the institution of marriage and family by according marriage-like immigration benefits to same sex relationships."
Excuse me? Are they that insulated, or do they have their heads up their asses? Have they really not noticed that heterosexuals have single-handedly eroded the institution of marriage all by themselves? Perhaps if they visit the GOP side of the aisle they can see marriage erosion up close and personal.
Wake Up call for Uniting American Families Act
Posted by
Fight4theRight 1039 days ago
(http://www.usimmigrationwoes.com)
D.C. Intelligence vs. Grassroots Desperation = UAFA and Fate of Bi-Nationals - story has to be a wake up call to everyone needing the UFA passed! It is time that every single person goes to there congressman and senator and say what’s up? We need this bill passed and brought out of committee now! The uniting families act HR1024 S424
I’ve seen this bill die twice and looks like a third time, people get off your butts and write the white house write you own congressman and senators, and write Nancy Pelosi, but ever single day with no let ups!!!!!!!!! Get this bill out of committee now!
I’ve seen this bill die twice and looks like a third time, people get off your butts and write the white house write you own congressman and senators, and write Nancy Pelosi, but ever single day with no let ups!!!!!!!!! Get this bill out of committee now!
The Reuniting Families Act (Integrity Legal Blog)
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 1039 days ago
(http://integrity-legal.com)
It would appear that although repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) may not be happening anytime during the current legislative session. For same sex partners of United States Citizens, there may be hope that United States Federal Immigration Law could be modified in order to allow for United States immigration benefits for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Trans-gender (LGBT) Couples.
According to CBS News: “[M]ore than 100 lawmakers in the House and about 20 in the Senate have signed onto bills that would add the United States to the 19 countries that already recognize same-sex couples for immigration purposes.”
Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) is currently being considered in both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Many lawmakers are hoping to amend the currently pending bills with proposed amendments to correct
According to CBS News: “[M]ore than 100 lawmakers in the House and about 20 in the Senate have signed onto bills that would add the United States to the 19 countries that already recognize same-sex couples for immigration purposes.”
Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) is currently being considered in both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Many lawmakers are hoping to amend the currently pending bills with proposed amendments to correct
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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.