U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Chicago), joined by fellow Reps. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) and Jared Polis (D-Colo.), called May 24 for the inclusion of gay and lesbian binational couples in the comprehensive immigration reform measure now before Congress.
"Our legal immigration system is so dysfunctional and restrictive that we have created incentives for people to go around our system rather than going through it," Gutierrez said. "Nowhere is this more true than for committed same-sex couples who have to make a painful choice between their family and the immigration laws of the U.S. that do not recognize these family units for the purposes of immigration."
At a press conference at the Center on Halsted, Gutierrez said U.S. laws that allow heterosexuals to sponsor a partner for citizenship, but not gays and lesbians, send the wrong message.
"It seems t
USAFrance | Submitted 
Gutierrez and Quigley Push LGBT Rights In Immigration Reform
Posted by
USAFrance 705 days ago
(http://www.edgechicago.com)
Next week the D.C. Council will discuss a resolution showing support of the Uniting American Families Act pending in Congress.
Councilman At-Large David Catania authored the resolution last week, and the other 12 members of the council co-introduced it.
U.S. immigration law does not allow same-sex citizens and permanent residents to sponsor foreign-born partners for immigration benefits.
The UAFA, introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and in the Senate by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., would "amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens and lawful permanent residents and to penalize immigration fraud in connec
Councilman At-Large David Catania authored the resolution last week, and the other 12 members of the council co-introduced it.
U.S. immigration law does not allow same-sex citizens and permanent residents to sponsor foreign-born partners for immigration benefits.
The UAFA, introduced in the House by U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., and in the Senate by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., would "amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens and lawful permanent residents and to penalize immigration fraud in connec
We must be vigilant on immigration reform
Posted by
USAFrance 705 days ago
(http://www.washingtonblade.com)
The Uniting American Families Act, which seeks to end inequalities in current U.S. immigration laws that leave lesbian and gay Americans unable to sponsor a partner or spouse for residency, is particularly important to bi-national families and their supporters. So when Immigration Equality held a conference call last Friday to share the latest developments on efforts to pass the bill, it drew a crowd.
But Julie Kruse, Immigration Equality’s policy director, confirmed things aren’t looking good for the bill. Due to the current political climate in which incumbents fear retaliation from their constituents, and the fact that Congress’ working days are numbered, no movement on immigration legislation is expected until after November. It’s more likely that financial regulation and climate change will be tackled in the months ahead.
Kruse said in an e-mail, though, s
But Julie Kruse, Immigration Equality’s policy director, confirmed things aren’t looking good for the bill. Due to the current political climate in which incumbents fear retaliation from their constituents, and the fact that Congress’ working days are numbered, no movement on immigration legislation is expected until after November. It’s more likely that financial regulation and climate change will be tackled in the months ahead.
Kruse said in an e-mail, though, s
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is tired of her "vulnerable" (read: freshman, or up for re-election) Democratic friends being targeted by the right-wing for their controversial views and votes, particularly on health care. Which is why she's reportedly told her Congressional colleagues that the House will not take up any "controversial" bills in 2010 unless the Senate acts first. And you can bet that Don't Ask Don't Tell — or ENDA, or UAFA (or any immigration reform), or repealing DOMA — falls into that category.
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
A Brush With Destiny
Posted by
USAFrance 901 days ago
(http://www.huntingtonnews.net)
Madison Reed and his partner deserve the same legal rights as any other American. Tragically, these two men are separated by oceans of distance and culture. I have known Madison for 7 years. We met while I was a student at Marshall University here in Huntington. Madison immediately opened up to me and became a mentor in a time where I was defining so many things about myself. He is a proud man. This pride has to do with the fact that he has seen oppression and has come out on top. He has taught me to look for the building blocks of my pride in an ability to show understanding to all people, even those who may not even try to understand me. Madison has run a business, been a mentor, and in that a positive force in Huntington. He deserves to be united with his partner, Dzmitry, not through just some political or economic union. For Madison, relationships have nothing to do with those two
Comprehensive Immigration Reform Quiet Not Dead
Posted by
USAFrance 931 days ago
(http://immigration.about.com)
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....
Gay rights groups praise state resolutions (The Desert Sun)
Posted by
USAFrance 987 days ago
(http://www.mydesert.com)
The Assembly Judiciary Committee passed three resolutions this week that gay rights group consider critical for federal laws affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The committee passed resolutions on the U.S. Blood Donor Nondiscrimination Resolution, which would lift the ban against gay men donating blood; urged the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal recognition of same-sex couples; and supported of the Uniting American Families Act.
The committee passed resolutions on the U.S. Blood Donor Nondiscrimination Resolution, which would lift the ban against gay men donating blood; urged the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal recognition of same-sex couples; and supported of the Uniting American Families Act.
Broad based Support Grows For National Equality March
Posted by
USAFrance 1008 days ago
(http://www.outcomebuffalo.com)
Broad-based support for the National Equality March (NEM) has been growing exponentially across the country over the past few weeks, according to its organizer Equality Across America (EAA). Thousands of Americans are hearing the drumbeat for LGBT equality and plan to follow it to the nation’s capital this October....
Immigration Law Debate Heats Up
Posted by
USAFrance 1051 days ago
(http://blogout.justout.com)
John Nechman, a Houston attorney who specializes in gay and lesbian immigration issues, said the legislation is about equal rights and family unification, and could help reduce flight of same-sex couples to the 19 countries that offer them some immigration benefits.
“It would stop the bleeding in many ways,” he said.
But the bill is facing heated opposition by anti-immigration advocates, who say it could potentially lead to fraud. A strong voice in the pro-immigrant movement, the Catholic Church, also has taken a stand against the bill, based on the belief that marriage is strictly between a man and a woman.
The church, long supportive of a comprehensive immigration reform bill, sees the push for same-sex couples as giving “opponents another arrow in their quiver. Immigration is controversial enough, and to add another issue of national interest that is a
“It would stop the bleeding in many ways,” he said.
But the bill is facing heated opposition by anti-immigration advocates, who say it could potentially lead to fraud. A strong voice in the pro-immigrant movement, the Catholic Church, also has taken a stand against the bill, based on the belief that marriage is strictly between a man and a woman.
The church, long supportive of a comprehensive immigration reform bill, sees the push for same-sex couples as giving “opponents another arrow in their quiver. Immigration is controversial enough, and to add another issue of national interest that is a
Gay benefits press call clarifies nothing (365Gay)
Posted by
USAFrance 1071 days ago
(http://www.365gay.com)
In advance of President Obama’s 5:45 remarks on extending limited benefits to gay federal workers, Director of Personnel Management John Berry spoke to the press and said….very little.
He seemed to be reading from a brief, prepared statement that recapped what we already know: OPM investigated which benefits could be extended to same-sex partners of federal employees that were not circumscribed by DOMA and it found two.
He seemed to be reading from a brief, prepared statement that recapped what we already know: OPM investigated which benefits could be extended to same-sex partners of federal employees that were not circumscribed by DOMA and it found two.
LGBT People Going to Be Left Out of Immigration Reform
Posted by
USAFrance 1072 days ago
(http://www.prospect.org)
A coalition of civil-liberties and LGBT-rights groups is rightfully outraged by Obama's reneging on his campaign promise to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and particularly by a Justice Department court brief arguing that the statute be upheld.
DOMA allows states and the federal government to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where it is legal and to deny same-sex couples civil-rights protections that married heterosexuals enjoy. As a candidate, Obama pledged to repeal DOMA. As he advocated for civil unions and equal federal protections for same-sex couples while on the campaign trail, he noted, "You don't poll whether people get treated equally or not. That is something that you do because it's right."
But it increasingly looks like Obama is feeling the pressure from religious leaders who claim to be advocating a "whole" agen
DOMA allows states and the federal government to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states where it is legal and to deny same-sex couples civil-rights protections that married heterosexuals enjoy. As a candidate, Obama pledged to repeal DOMA. As he advocated for civil unions and equal federal protections for same-sex couples while on the campaign trail, he noted, "You don't poll whether people get treated equally or not. That is something that you do because it's right."
But it increasingly looks like Obama is feeling the pressure from religious leaders who claim to be advocating a "whole" agen
The Hope Diet (Atlantic Online)
Posted by
USAFrance 1078 days ago
(http://news.google.com)
Jennifer Vanasco is disappointed that Obama hasn't advocated for Illinois's civil unions bill:
Insiders tell us that he will keep his promises. They tell us to be patient. They tell us to wait. Maybe they're right. Maybe not. Maybe the Obama Administration really is working like crazy behind the scenes to dismantle DOMA and Don’t Ask, to support the Employment Non—Discrimination Act and the Uniting American Families Act. Maybe they're just hoping if they placate us enough, we’ll go away.
All we know for sure when it comes to this Administration is that hope is not enough. Promises of "change" are not enough. We supported Obama with our dollars and our labor, and it is time he supports us in return. But until he does, the good people of Illinois — like good people all over the country — have to wait for their rights..
Insiders tell us that he will keep his promises. They tell us to be patient. They tell us to wait. Maybe they're right. Maybe not. Maybe the Obama Administration really is working like crazy behind the scenes to dismantle DOMA and Don’t Ask, to support the Employment Non—Discrimination Act and the Uniting American Families Act. Maybe they're just hoping if they placate us enough, we’ll go away.
All we know for sure when it comes to this Administration is that hope is not enough. Promises of "change" are not enough. We supported Obama with our dollars and our labor, and it is time he supports us in return. But until he does, the good people of Illinois — like good people all over the country — have to wait for their rights..
Lown and partner facing long wait
Posted by
USAFrance 1083 days ago
(http://www.gosanangelo.com)
Former San Angelo mayor Joseph W. Lown is prepared to stay in Mexico while his partner seeks a visa to come to the United States.Lown is likely facing a long stay.
“Generally speaking, based on what I know, I see no avenue for legal re-immigration anytime soon,” He has heard the odds could be insurmountable.
The two are looking for an immigration lawyer, Lown said.
Armendáriz said they should have contacted an immigration lawyer before leaving the country. They may have made the situation worse by leaving, he said. Immigration law is one of the most complicated areas of law and case-specific, Armendáriz said. But the facts in this case suggest Lown’s wait will be long.
There is a 10-year inadmissibility “bar” for people who have been here without permission for longer than one year, then seek admission or re-admission. There is a waiver for t
“Generally speaking, based on what I know, I see no avenue for legal re-immigration anytime soon,” He has heard the odds could be insurmountable.
The two are looking for an immigration lawyer, Lown said.
Armendáriz said they should have contacted an immigration lawyer before leaving the country. They may have made the situation worse by leaving, he said. Immigration law is one of the most complicated areas of law and case-specific, Armendáriz said. But the facts in this case suggest Lown’s wait will be long.
There is a 10-year inadmissibility “bar” for people who have been here without permission for longer than one year, then seek admission or re-admission. There is a waiver for t
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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.