A resolution supporting the federal bill that would allow gay U.S. citizens to sponsor their partners for a visa passed the California Senate Judiciary Committee Thursday and now heads to the Senate floor for a vote.
Our cover story this week, "Worlds Apart," tells the story of three Bay Area couples whose lives would be changed by the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), a federal bill that allows "permanent partners" to be treated the same as straight spouses in immigration matters. Currently, gay couples have no legal pathway to sponsor their foreign partners to stay in the country.
While the federal UAFA bill is on hold while lawmakers decide whether to include it in the comprehensive immigration reform, California legislators such as Assemblyman Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) introduced a resolution last year urging the U.S. Congress to pass the s
Search results for senate
Resolution To Support Gay Binational Couples Heads To California Senate
Posted by
LauREN 82 days ago
(http://blogs.sfweekly.com)
Senate seen as bottleneck for LGBT bills
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 256 days ago
(http://www.edgesanfrancisco.com)
So far the votes are not there to undo DOMA, and an immigration reform bill set to be taken up by a House committee early next year does not include any LGBT language. The out lawmakers did say they believe when the House does schedule a vote on immigration reform the final version of the bill will include the pro-gay provisions for LGBT binational couples.
Hate Crime Bill Passes Senate Close to Final Passage
Posted by
igualdad 413 days ago
(http://www.sfbaytimes.com)
The Senate tacked hate crimes onto the defense appropriations bill, so we are a conference committee away from sending “something gay” to the desk of the president for the first time. The conference committee needs to strip out a poison pill amendment that mandates the death sentence for certain federal crimes, but other than that detail, we’re home free.
I know you want to hear about the midgets, but I’m not finished. I can’t help being pleased by this modest step in the right direction, but as I’ve written before, a hate crime law is last on my personal gay agenda. It is an ineffective deterrent to a type of violence that will only abate gradually with the help of substantial gay rights legislation. The repeal of the military ban. The addition of sexual orientation to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Immigration reform for the partners of gay Americans. Federal recognit
I know you want to hear about the midgets, but I’m not finished. I can’t help being pleased by this modest step in the right direction, but as I’ve written before, a hate crime law is last on my personal gay agenda. It is an ineffective deterrent to a type of violence that will only abate gradually with the help of substantial gay rights legislation. The repeal of the military ban. The addition of sexual orientation to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Immigration reform for the partners of gay Americans. Federal recognit
Whats there to Get about Marriage Equality (Jennifer Brunner)
Posted by
uluckidog 457 days ago
(http://www.huffingtonpost.com)
Jennifer BrunnerOhio Secretary Of State; candidate for U.S. Senate - When an LGBT couple, with or without children, is bi-national, problems increase. Marriage equality is the law in the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Spain and South Africa. However, the U.S. definition of "family" for immigration purposes does not include LGBT couples. Without this, many U.S. LGBT citizens have found their only alternative is to emigrate with their partners to a country with laws that afford them the opportunity to live together without fear of separation because of antiquated laws that do not recognize their families.
Even in countries not recognizing marriage equality, common sense immigration equality has been legislated. (For those concerned about fraud, it should be pointed out that none of these countries has reported fraud associated with this policy.)
A good start is to
Even in countries not recognizing marriage equality, common sense immigration equality has been legislated. (For those concerned about fraud, it should be pointed out that none of these countries has reported fraud associated with this policy.)
A good start is to
Lesbian Mom Testifies in US Senate for Uniting American Families Act
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 461 days ago
(http://www.topix.com)
this woman is screwed. my cockroach country (United States of America) hates gay human beings. how do i know this? the other day, i was talking with a co-worker, when a H1-B visa contractor from India tells me that he got married in India, and now is bed-buddy is living here in the United States with him. it just infuriates me that a non-citizen/non-permanent resident gets to bring their bed-buddy into my country, yet i (U.S. CITIZEN) am forbidden from bringing a foreign-national bed-buddy for myself. the United States of America is nothing but a cockroach country. cockroach = christian = cockroach
Filipino lesbian mother, Shirley Tan, had received a temporary reprieve and was scheduled to be deported and separated from her partner of 23 years, Jay Mercado, and their two children on April 22. She was saved at the last minute by a private bill introduced by Senator Dianne F
Filipino lesbian mother, Shirley Tan, had received a temporary reprieve and was scheduled to be deported and separated from her partner of 23 years, Jay Mercado, and their two children on April 22. She was saved at the last minute by a private bill introduced by Senator Dianne F
Uniting American Families Act (HRC BACKSTORY)
Posted by
DividedByLaw 462 days ago
(http://www.hrcbackstory.org)
Written Statement of Joe Solmonese, President, Human Rights Campaign. To the Committee on Judiciary, U.S Why the Act is Needed
Our government’s failure to recognize lesbian and gay families for immigration purposes wreaks havoc on the lives of the American citizens who fall in love with non-citizens and the children who fear being deprived of one of their parents. Many are forced to leave family and friends, sell businesses and abandon the community and country they love in order to keep their families together. Families are forced to choose: separate or live in exile.
The effects of this injustice are all too real for thousands of Americans. The last census revealed that nearly 36,000 bi-national couples are affected by the inequality in our nation’s immigration laws. This injustice affects entire families; nearly 47% percent of bi-national couples are raisin
Our government’s failure to recognize lesbian and gay families for immigration purposes wreaks havoc on the lives of the American citizens who fall in love with non-citizens and the children who fear being deprived of one of their parents. Many are forced to leave family and friends, sell businesses and abandon the community and country they love in order to keep their families together. Families are forced to choose: separate or live in exile.
The effects of this injustice are all too real for thousands of Americans. The last census revealed that nearly 36,000 bi-national couples are affected by the inequality in our nation’s immigration laws. This injustice affects entire families; nearly 47% percent of bi-national couples are raisin
This was a historic event because it marked the first time in history that the Senate held hearing regarding Same-Sex Family Immigration matters.
For those unfamiliar with the UAFA, it is a bill that would add the term “Permanent Partner” to the list of those eligible for US Immigration benefits based upon a family relationship. Under the Defense of Marriage Act, the Federal government only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman. The UAFA creates a new category of family member, namely: Permanent Partners.
A note of importance, the President of AILA , The American Immigration Lawyers Association, submitted a statement to the committee supporting the enactment of the Uniting of American Families Act. An interesting quote from the statement:
“[S]ame sex partners of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are not recognized as family member
For those unfamiliar with the UAFA, it is a bill that would add the term “Permanent Partner” to the list of those eligible for US Immigration benefits based upon a family relationship. Under the Defense of Marriage Act, the Federal government only recognizes marriage between a man and a woman. The UAFA creates a new category of family member, namely: Permanent Partners.
A note of importance, the President of AILA , The American Immigration Lawyers Association, submitted a statement to the committee supporting the enactment of the Uniting of American Families Act. An interesting quote from the statement:
“[S]ame sex partners of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents are not recognized as family member
Senate Talks LGBT Immigration
Posted by
freedom2immigrate 463 days ago
(http://www.advocate.com)
The Senate Judiciary Committee held the first congressional hearing on the Uniting American Families Act Wednesday. The act would allow gay citizens to sponsor their partners for residency in the United States.
An Advocate.com exclusive posted June 3, 2009 - The Senate Judiciary Committee held the first congressional hearing on the Uniting American Families Act Wednesday. The act would allow gay and lesbian citizens to sponsor their partners for residency in the United States.
“For too long, gay and lesbian American citizens whose partners are foreign nationals have been denied the ability to sponsor their loved ones for lawful permanent residency,” said Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Under current immigration law, many citizens have been forced to choose between their country and their loved ones. No American should
An Advocate.com exclusive posted June 3, 2009 - The Senate Judiciary Committee held the first congressional hearing on the Uniting American Families Act Wednesday. The act would allow gay and lesbian citizens to sponsor their partners for residency in the United States.
“For too long, gay and lesbian American citizens whose partners are foreign nationals have been denied the ability to sponsor their loved ones for lawful permanent residency,” said Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Under current immigration law, many citizens have been forced to choose between their country and their loved ones. No American should
Historic US Senate Hearing Held on UAFA (HRC)
Posted by
BinatUK 463 days ago
(http://www.hrc.org)
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation’s largest gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today lauded the first-ever congressional hearing on the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA). The hearing, held by the Senate Judiciary Committee, was titled “The Uniting American Families Act: Addressing Inequality in Federal Immigration Law” and featured a number of witnesses testifying in support of the bill, which would allow U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents in same-sex relationships to sponsor their partners for immigration purposes.
“For far too long, our elected officials have ignored the devastating real-life consequences that current immigration policies have had on thousands of same-sex couples in loving, committed relationships,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We thank Senator Leahy for his leade
“For far too long, our elected officials have ignored the devastating real-life consequences that current immigration policies have had on thousands of same-sex couples in loving, committed relationships,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. “We thank Senator Leahy for his leade
Immigration Equality sent out an announcement about the Senate Judiciary hearing being held on Wednesday June 3rd on the Uniting American Familes Act (UAFA). On Wednesday morning, the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold the first-ever ...
UAFA Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 464 days ago
(http://oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com)
Today I enjoyed lunch with Shirley Tan, Jay, the twins, Martha and Lin McDevitt-Pugh (Love Exiles founders, from the Netherlands), Becky Bransky, Legislative Director of Lesbian and Gay Task Force and Julie Kruse, Policy Director Immigration Equality. The Brown Bag was a perfect choice for our informal gathering. It was a well deserved lunch after an emotional meet-up with the witnesses who are testifying in tomorrows Senate Judiciary hearing. The LGBT Immigration cause has a stupendous team. The choice of witnesses is an exciting compliment.
Senate hearings on immigration equality for LGBT Americans begin
Posted by
OurHero-Tan 464 days ago
(http://www.inlookout.com)
Inside, Looking Out will be covering the UAFA hearings so check back for regular updates.
Senate Judiciary Committee Congress Matters (Considered Forthwith)
Posted by
USAFrance 464 days ago
(http://www.congressmatters.com)
Uniting American Families Act This is an important bill that falls under the Judicial Committee's jurisdiction. On Wednesday June 3 at 10 a.m., the full committee will hold a hearing on the Uniting American Families Act. Under current U.S. law, American citizens may sponsor their spouses for citizenship. Same sex couples do not have the same right. The Uniting American Families Act would remedy this. This is one of things that we should publicize and contact our Senators about. Of course, this is also an opportunity for the GOP to pull the ever elusive homophobia/xenophobia two-fer. I'm going to tune in.
Immigration Equality Bill Faces Senate Judiciary Review
Posted by
uluckidog 465 days ago
(http://joemygod.blogspot.com)
...hear the Uniting American Families Act, a bill that would allow LGBT Americans to sponsor foreign spouses for immigration to the United States.
Senate considers Passport to Same Sex Marriage
Posted by
UnitedByLove 468 days ago
(http://vcyhomefront.blogspot.com)
The Family Research Council in Washington is alerting the public regarding Senate Bill 424 introduced in Washington DC. Although this bill is called the “Uniting American Families Act of 2009”, FRC says this Bill is actually an attack upon marriage at the expense of U.S. taxpayers stating it is part of the movement to give same-sex partners special privileges. Senate Bill 424 will allow any gay or lesbian foreigner who declares themselves to be a permanent partner of an American to immigrate to the U.S. on the same basis as foreign spouses. And, like a married couple, these homosexuals would be eligible for “permanent resident status” under the current immigration law. The United States Senate Judiciary Committee will take up Senate Bill 424 at their Committee Meeting Wednesday, June 3rd at 10am. Both Wisconsin Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold are members of this committee. You
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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.