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 Hailed by Major Groups Establishes Equality in Immigration for Gay Men & Lesbians Called an Important and Welcome Next Step toward Equality |
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Compiled by GayToday
"Family unification has always been at the heart of U.S. immigration policy. But as it stands now, federal law prevents many lesbians and gay men from keeping their families," said Christopher E. Anders, an ACLU Legislative Counsel. "Instead of intruding into people's private relationships, Congress should enact fair immigration standards that apply equally to everyone." National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Elizabeth Toledo, said: "Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender families need the same level of government recognition and support as any other family. This bill will unite families and amend laws that have torn apart caring, committed couples across borders. We urge Congress to honor these human commitments by passing this bill as soon as possible." HRC Political Director Winnie Stachelberg praised Congressman Nadler:
Approximately 75 percent of the 1 million green cards and immigrant visas issued each year go to family members of U.S. citizens and permanent residents. However, the INS's current definition of family excludes same-sex partners. This bill seeks to recognize the reality that a gay or lesbian couple is a family. Currently, under no circumstances can a U.S. citizen use a committed relationship as a basis for sponsoring a partner of the same sex from a foreign country, no matter how long the couple has been together or how committed their relationship. "Dual passport" gay or lesbian couples must either go to another country to live together or live apart and struggle to maintain their relationships through expensive phone calls and infrequent visits. Thirteen other countries currently allow the gay partners of their citizens to become permanent residents, namely Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Sweden and the United Kingdom. |
