In light of all this, I believe that any American tourist to Mexico should support reforming immigration laws in the United States to create more pathways to legalization. I feel particularly strongly that the queer people and women who make up the primary audience of this blog, who have themselves experienced what it is like to feel invisible, to feel underrepresented in the country in which you live, need to add their voices to the growing chorus of those calling for more just immigration reform.
Although I believe that the United States needs broad immigration reform across immigrant populations, as half of a bi-national lesbian couple and as the teacher of many undocumented high school students, I can recommend two good places to start: the DREAM Act and the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA)....
uluckidog | Published 
Responsible Tourism and Immigration Reform
Posted by
uluckidog 1008 days ago
(http://www.machamexico.com)
Eliminate Immigration Barriers for Same-Sex Couples. The Assembly Judiciary Committee will be hearing testimony on AJR 15, a California resolution to support the federal Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
The resolution, introduced by Assembly Member Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and co-sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), formally requests that the US Congress pass and President Barack Obama sign the UAFA. Under current federal law, American citizens are permitted to sponsor an opposite-sex (Uniting American families Act spouse applying for legal residency. The UAFA would extend this basic right to committed same-sex couples, who are currently prohibited from sponsoring their partners.
The resolution, introduced by Assembly Member Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and co-sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), formally requests that the US Congress pass and President Barack Obama sign the UAFA. Under current federal law, American citizens are permitted to sponsor an opposite-sex (Uniting American families Act spouse applying for legal residency. The UAFA would extend this basic right to committed same-sex couples, who are currently prohibited from sponsoring their partners.
National Equality March in Washington (Human Rights Campaign)
Posted by
uluckidog 1016 days ago
(http://www.hrc.org)
On October 11, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) activists and allies will meet by the United States Capitol in Washington, DC. The first national gathering of LGBT volunteers, community members, and supporters since the 2008 elections and the passage of Proposition 8, this event provides a powerful opportunity to harness the energy—both excitement and anger—that this historic year has sparked.
"With thousands of LGBT people and allies coming to Washington to make a difference, it’s our mission to help them become the citizen lobbyists that they want and need to be," said HRC President Joe Solmonese...
"With thousands of LGBT people and allies coming to Washington to make a difference, it’s our mission to help them become the citizen lobbyists that they want and need to be," said HRC President Joe Solmonese...
Choosing between love and country
Posted by
uluckidog 1029 days ago
(http://www.washblade.com)
At last there is a real chance for immigration reform that includes same sex couples. THERE’S A BATTLE looming for LGBT families that we can win now — a battle to keep lesbians and gays from literally being torn from our same-sex partners. Discriminatory immigration laws are causing LGBT families needless suffering.
CONGRESS AND THE White House are committed to moving forward with comprehensive immigration reform. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), chair of the subcommittee charged with overseeing immigration, recently said that he will have a bill ready for consideration by Labor Day. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised, once the Senate votes on its version, to bring a similar measure to a vote in her chamber, too.?
Including our families in comprehensive immigration reform, if successful, will not only be a watershed moment for couples impacted directly by discriminatory immigra
CONGRESS AND THE White House are committed to moving forward with comprehensive immigration reform. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), chair of the subcommittee charged with overseeing immigration, recently said that he will have a bill ready for consideration by Labor Day. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has promised, once the Senate votes on its version, to bring a similar measure to a vote in her chamber, too.?
Including our families in comprehensive immigration reform, if successful, will not only be a watershed moment for couples impacted directly by discriminatory immigra
DADT UAFA Food For Thought
Posted by
uluckidog 1031 days ago
(http://pizzadiavola.wordpress.com)
DADT is to me what a lack of UAFA [Uniting American Families Act] is to a binational couple. It means that officially, I do not exist to my Beloved. It means little things, seemingly trivial parts of the closet we are all familiar with. When her fellow troops chat about what they did over the weekend with their spouses and children, she “hung out with friends.” When her command has picnics or other “family days,” she goes alone or not at all. When she receives an award or is promoted, I am not there to smile, take pictures, or pin on her new rank, like other wives are. …
I plead with all pro-CIR organizations to keep the coalition together at all costs. We cannot leave any part of our coalition behind. That being said, I ask that everyone here support the inclusion of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) in Comprehensive Immigration Reform. There are approximately 40 000 same-sex binational couples that are being separated or discriminated against in immigration law. The conservatives will argue that allowing same-sex couples access to equal immigration rights is an attempt to legalize same-sex marriage. This simply is not true. Same-sex binational couples have such a difficult time remaining together in the USA that marriage is not even in the equation. It should be known that the gay and lesbian community supports CIR, so please don’t leave us behind.
i am also in gay binational relationship, i am forced to live separated from my partner for la
i am also in gay binational relationship, i am forced to live separated from my partner for la
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.
Under Pressure (NCLRights)
Posted by
uluckidog 1049 days ago
(http://nclrights.wordpress.com)
We all know that the President has a lot on his plate—some very weighty issues, and many of his priorities we support wholeheartedly—but LGBT equality cannot wait to be the dessert course on even the most carefully planned four or eight-year presidential menu.
I promised I would provide concrete steps for keeping the pressure on the President and his administration, and here are five items that need action from this President NOW. You get a gold star and my unending esteem if you do all of them!
Please contact the President and urge him to...Make good on his promise that passage of the Uniting All Families Act (UAFA) is one of the top priorities for the Department of Justice. UAFA is a proposed bill that would provide same-sex couples with the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex couples. If passed, UAFA would allow U.S. citizens and permanent residents to
I promised I would provide concrete steps for keeping the pressure on the President and his administration, and here are five items that need action from this President NOW. You get a gold star and my unending esteem if you do all of them!
Please contact the President and urge him to...Make good on his promise that passage of the Uniting All Families Act (UAFA) is one of the top priorities for the Department of Justice. UAFA is a proposed bill that would provide same-sex couples with the same immigration benefits as opposite-sex couples. If passed, UAFA would allow U.S. citizens and permanent residents to
What is the Uniting American Families Act?
Posted by
uluckidog 1050 days ago
(http://www.yousaytoo.com)
The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) is a billpresently making its way ... have amajor impact upon the way US Immigration benefits...
Massachusetts Sues Feds Over Defense Of Marriage Act
Posted by
uluckidog 1052 days ago
(http://www.huffingtonpost.com)
BOSTON — Massachusetts, the first state to legalize gay marriage, sued the U.S. government Wednesday over a federal law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.
The federal Defense of Marriage Act interferes with the right of Massachusetts to define and regulate marriage as it sees fit, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley said. The 1996 law denies federal recognition of gay marriage and gives states the right to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Boston, argues the act "constitutes an overreaching and discriminatory federal law." It says the approximately 16,000 same-sex couples who have married in Massachusetts since the state began performing gay marriages in 2004 are being unfairly denied federal benefits given to heterosexual couples.
"They are entitled to equal treatment unde
The federal Defense of Marriage Act interferes with the right of Massachusetts to define and regulate marriage as it sees fit, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley said. The 1996 law denies federal recognition of gay marriage and gives states the right to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Boston, argues the act "constitutes an overreaching and discriminatory federal law." It says the approximately 16,000 same-sex couples who have married in Massachusetts since the state began performing gay marriages in 2004 are being unfairly denied federal benefits given to heterosexual couples.
"They are entitled to equal treatment unde
NEA calls for LGBT rights including immigration rights
Posted by
uluckidog 1052 days ago
(http://www.365gay.com)
(Washington) The National Education Association adopted two resolutions calling for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights at its annual conference last week.
The resolutions say that the organization opposes the “discriminatory treatment of same-sex couples and its belief that such couples should have the same legal rights and benefits as similarly-situated heterosexual couples.” They also call for the “passage of a federal statute prohibiting federal discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.” The NEA also committed itself to supporting the enactment of LGBT equality at local, state and federal levels.
The NEA falls short of asking for gay marriage - instead, it says:
“NEA does not believe that a single term must be used to designate this legally recognized “equal treatment” relationship, and recommends that each state decide for
The resolutions say that the organization opposes the “discriminatory treatment of same-sex couples and its belief that such couples should have the same legal rights and benefits as similarly-situated heterosexual couples.” They also call for the “passage of a federal statute prohibiting federal discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.” The NEA also committed itself to supporting the enactment of LGBT equality at local, state and federal levels.
The NEA falls short of asking for gay marriage - instead, it says:
“NEA does not believe that a single term must be used to designate this legally recognized “equal treatment” relationship, and recommends that each state decide for
The Power Online Signed Petition from all 50 States
Posted by
uluckidog 1062 days ago
(http://www.thepoweronline.org)
Add your signature 1 day left
Press Conference at Historic Stonewall Inn to Announce New LGBT Civil Rights Agenda and Present U.S. Congressman Jerrold Nadler With Signed Petition from all 50 States.
WHAT: A press conference convened by The Power (www.ThePowerOnline.org) launching a national movement to pass comprehensive LGBT civil rights legislation.
WHO: Jeffrey H. Campagna, founder of The Power, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, a representative of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, and civil rights attorney and daughter of Congresswoman Bella Abzug, Liz Abzug.
WHEN: 10 a.m., Monday, June 29, 2009, 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots
WHERE: Outside The Stonewall Inn, 53 Christopher St. @ Sheridan Square, New York, NY
WHY: With a self-proclaimed "fierce advocate" of LGBT rights in the White House, and Democratic majorities in the House and Senate,
Press Conference at Historic Stonewall Inn to Announce New LGBT Civil Rights Agenda and Present U.S. Congressman Jerrold Nadler With Signed Petition from all 50 States.
WHAT: A press conference convened by The Power (www.ThePowerOnline.org) launching a national movement to pass comprehensive LGBT civil rights legislation.
WHO: Jeffrey H. Campagna, founder of The Power, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, a representative of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, and civil rights attorney and daughter of Congresswoman Bella Abzug, Liz Abzug.
WHEN: 10 a.m., Monday, June 29, 2009, 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots
WHERE: Outside The Stonewall Inn, 53 Christopher St. @ Sheridan Square, New York, NY
WHY: With a self-proclaimed "fierce advocate" of LGBT rights in the White House, and Democratic majorities in the House and Senate,
Upcoming March on Washington
Posted by
uluckidog 1064 days ago
(http://www.edgeboston.com)
When tens of thousands of LGBT people march down Fifth Avenue this Sunday for the city’s annual Pride parade, activist and founder of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt Cleve Jones will be among those at the helm. EDGE spoke to Jones earlier this week about the purpose of Pride, the upcoming March on Washington and his suggested strategy for achieving equality for LGBT Americans within the next few years.
"We had eight years of peace and prosperity, and what did we get? The Defense of Marriage Act and "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell."" As for what can be done under the first term of an Obama administration, Jones said the White House has a two year window of opportunity to sign any LGBT-specific bills into law.
"Within a very short period of time, he’s going to be focused on getting re-elected; so I think we need bold, decisive leadership from him and we need it right now," "I am t
"We had eight years of peace and prosperity, and what did we get? The Defense of Marriage Act and "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell."" As for what can be done under the first term of an Obama administration, Jones said the White House has a two year window of opportunity to sign any LGBT-specific bills into law.
"Within a very short period of time, he’s going to be focused on getting re-elected; so I think we need bold, decisive leadership from him and we need it right now," "I am t
OK Democrats Give Us the Change
Posted by
uluckidog 1065 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
Times have changed and so have we (National Equality March)
Posted by
uluckidog 1067 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
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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.