Just found out that 2 more cosponsors signed on to the Uniting American Families Act in the house, making it a total of 88 cosponsors!
The 2 congressperson that signed on are:
Rep Clarke, Yvette D. [NY-11] - 3/3/2009
Rep Cummings, Elijah E. [MD-7] - 3/3/2009
If you live in any of the districts whose reps have sponsored the bill, please be sure to thank them!
Rep Clarke's contact information can be found here.
Rep Cummings' contact information can be found here.
Click on the link below to find out who has signed on to sponsor the bill (and please contact those who have not signed on to urge them to support the bill)
UAFA in the senate.
UAFA in the house.
For more information about the Uniting American Families Act, click here.
Showing posts with label immigration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label immigration. Show all posts
Friday, March 06, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
BAR - Immigration bill re-introduced in Congress
Mickey and Out4Immigration was quoted in an article by the Bay Area Reporter today.
You can read the full article here. I am just excerpting a few paragraph which included the quote from Out4Immigration and Mickey.
Immigration bill re-introduced in Congress
by Lisa Keen
Representative Jerrold Nadler re-introduced UAFA last week.
Saying that now there's a president in the White House who is not a "guaranteed veto" for the legislation, Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-New York) last week re-introduced a bill seeking to enable gay Americans to sponsor their foreign same-sex partners for legal residency in the United States.
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) re-introduced the companion bill in the Senate.
Speaking to reporters on a telephone conference call Thursday, February 12, Nadler said it would be hard to say what the "odds" are for the bill – the Uniting American Families Act – to pass.
[read more...]
Out4Immigration, another LGBT advocacy group, expressed its hope that the bill will get a hearing. It noted this was the sixth time the legislation has been introduced.
"Today marks a fresh beginning for change toward the discrimination faced by same-sex binational couples," said Mickey Lim, vice president of the organization.
[read more...]
You can read the full article here. I am just excerpting a few paragraph which included the quote from Out4Immigration and Mickey.
Immigration bill re-introduced in Congress
by Lisa Keen
Representative Jerrold Nadler re-introduced UAFA last week.
Saying that now there's a president in the White House who is not a "guaranteed veto" for the legislation, Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-New York) last week re-introduced a bill seeking to enable gay Americans to sponsor their foreign same-sex partners for legal residency in the United States.
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) re-introduced the companion bill in the Senate.
Speaking to reporters on a telephone conference call Thursday, February 12, Nadler said it would be hard to say what the "odds" are for the bill – the Uniting American Families Act – to pass.
[read more...]
Out4Immigration, another LGBT advocacy group, expressed its hope that the bill will get a hearing. It noted this was the sixth time the legislation has been introduced.
"Today marks a fresh beginning for change toward the discrimination faced by same-sex binational couples," said Mickey Lim, vice president of the organization.
[read more...]
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
TV coverage on Uniting American Families Act
Thanks goes to Paul and Dan for sharing their story with the filippino television station. Why would the government not allow 2 person in love to stay together? Why would the government intentionally break up couples just because they are gay lesbian bisexual or transgender and one of them just happened to be a foreigner? This is just blatant discrimination that a heterosexual american can sponsor his/her foreign born partner for a green card but a gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender american cannot sponsor his/her foreign born partner for a green card.
We need to pass the Uniting American Families Act to address this inequality! The bill has just been introduced in the house (HR1024) with 80 cosponsor and in the senate (S424) with 14 cosponsor. Please call your senators and representative and urge them to sponsor this bill!!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Uniting American Families Act (UAFA)
I just want to update all of you about the re-introduction of the Uniting American Families Act yesterday by Rep Jerrold Nadler (HR1024) and Senator Patrick Leahy (S 424).
The house bill has managed to secure 79 cosponsors and the senate bill has secured 14 cosponsors.
This is hugely significant as during the past few sessions when the bill was introduced, we have never secured so many cosponsors signing on from the start.
I want to urge all of you to call you representative to (1) urge them to sponsor this important bill or (2) thank them for signing on to the bill.
This bill is important because currently LGBT binational couple where one partner is an American does not have any rights to sponsor their foreign born partner for a green card. A lot of them are being forced to leave the country to live in exile just so that they can stay together with their loved ones. This is blatantly unfair to force an American to choose between love or country.
We have a real chance of getting this bill heard and passed and we need all you help.
Please spread the word and call your representatives and senators to support this bill.
Thank you!
For more information:
Out4Immigration: http://www.out4immigration.org
Marriage Equality: http://www.marriageequality.or...
Love Exiles: http://www.loveexiles.org
The house bill has managed to secure 79 cosponsors and the senate bill has secured 14 cosponsors.
This is hugely significant as during the past few sessions when the bill was introduced, we have never secured so many cosponsors signing on from the start.
I want to urge all of you to call you representative to (1) urge them to sponsor this important bill or (2) thank them for signing on to the bill.
This bill is important because currently LGBT binational couple where one partner is an American does not have any rights to sponsor their foreign born partner for a green card. A lot of them are being forced to leave the country to live in exile just so that they can stay together with their loved ones. This is blatantly unfair to force an American to choose between love or country.
We have a real chance of getting this bill heard and passed and we need all you help.
Please spread the word and call your representatives and senators to support this bill.
Thank you!
For more information:
Out4Immigration: http://www.out4immigration.org
Marriage Equality: http://www.marriageequality.or...
Love Exiles: http://www.loveexiles.org
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Out4Immigration Hopeful Re-Introduction of Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) Will Get a Hearing, a Vote and a Signature by President Obama
Bills in House and Senate Call for End to Immigration Discrimination against Same-Sex Binational Couples in United States
WASHINGTON, DC, February 12, 2009 – Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) re-introduced The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) in the House and Senate today. The legislation calls for an end to the immigration discrimination gay and lesbian Americans face when they seek to sponsor a foreign partner to live with them in the United States.
“One of the fundamental principles of American immigration law and policy is the notion of family unification…. Unfortunately, same-sex couples committed to spending their lives together are not recognized as "families" under current federal law, including US immigration law,” said Nadler.
“The idea that immigration benefits should be extended to same-sex couples is not a novel one. Many nations have come to recognize that their respective immigration laws should respect family unity, regardless of a person’s sexual orientation. Indeed, 16 of our closest allies – Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Sweden and the United Kingdom – recognize same-sex couples for immigration purposes,” said Leahy.
This is the sixth time this legislation, formerly known as the Permanent Partners Immigration Act, has been introduced in Congress. The bills call for simply amending existing US immigration law by adding three words – “or permanent partner” – wherever the word spouse appears. It is estimated some 36,000 gay and lesbian American citizens are in same-sex binational relationships and are affected by lack of rights and protections of their relationships at the federal level.
“Today marks a fresh beginning for change toward the discrimination faced by same sex- binational couples,” said Mickey Lim, Vice President of the grassroots organization Out4Immigration, which works to raise awareness about this issue. “We recognize the significance of the reintroduction of the UAFA during Freedom to Marry Week because immigration rights are one of the 1,138 rights same-sex couples are denied at the federal level because our relationships are not recognized by our government.”
The UAFA already has 50+ co-sponsors in the House and 12 in the Senate. Rep. Nadler is hopeful that the bill will finally get a hearing at the Committee level this time around. With a new administration in place, a bill of this caliber – which addresses both LGBT issues and immigration issues – has a good chance of receiving more support than in the past.
“President Obama indicated he supports this legislation during his campaign,” said Lim. “Therefore, we hope the UAFA will finally get a hearing at the Committee level. This will help more people understand the impact that this discrimination has had on hundreds and thousands of same-sex binational couples.”
Once the UAFA gets out of committee, it can go for a floor vote. The significance of having many co-sponsors on board early on indicates the bill has a good chance of passing in Congress. Once that happens it goes to the President’s desk. President Obama is on record saying he wants to “afford same-sex couples the same rights and obligations as married couples in our immigration system.”
For more information:
Rep. Nadler Continues Fight for LGBT Immigrant Rights: Uniting American Families Act Would Allow Americans to Sponsor Permanent Partners: http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ny08_nadler/UAFA_021209.html
Leahy Introduces Bill To Provide Equality Under Immigration Law: http://leahy.senate.gov/press/200902/021209b.html
The White House: President Barack Obama: Civil Rights: Support for the LGBT Community: Support Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples: http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/civil_rights/
Senator Obama’s Open Letter to LGBT Community Echoes Out4Immigration’s Call: http://www.out4immigration.org/immigration/content_detail.asp?=&id=1231&ctid=148
The Uniting American Families Act (H.R. 2221): http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:HR02221:
The Uniting American Families Act (S.1328): http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:SN01328:
Human Rights Watch Report: Family Unvalued: Discrimination, Denial, and the Fate of Binational Same-Sex Couples under US Law: http://www.hrw.org/reports/2006/us0506/
About Out4Immigration:
Out4Immigration is a grassroots organization based in San Francisco that addresses the widespread discriminatory impact of US immigration laws on the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and HIV+ people and their families through education, outreach, advocacy and the maintenance of a resource and support network. For more information, visit www.out4immigration.org. To schedule interviews with same-sex binational couples who are available to speak with the media on this issue, including Spanish-speaking couples, please contact Amos Lim, amos at out4immigration.org, 415-375-3765 or Kathy Drasky at kathy at out4immigration.org, 415-606-2085.
WASHINGTON, DC, February 12, 2009 – Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) re-introduced The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) in the House and Senate today. The legislation calls for an end to the immigration discrimination gay and lesbian Americans face when they seek to sponsor a foreign partner to live with them in the United States.
“One of the fundamental principles of American immigration law and policy is the notion of family unification…. Unfortunately, same-sex couples committed to spending their lives together are not recognized as "families" under current federal law, including US immigration law,” said Nadler.
“The idea that immigration benefits should be extended to same-sex couples is not a novel one. Many nations have come to recognize that their respective immigration laws should respect family unity, regardless of a person’s sexual orientation. Indeed, 16 of our closest allies – Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Sweden and the United Kingdom – recognize same-sex couples for immigration purposes,” said Leahy.
This is the sixth time this legislation, formerly known as the Permanent Partners Immigration Act, has been introduced in Congress. The bills call for simply amending existing US immigration law by adding three words – “or permanent partner” – wherever the word spouse appears. It is estimated some 36,000 gay and lesbian American citizens are in same-sex binational relationships and are affected by lack of rights and protections of their relationships at the federal level.
“Today marks a fresh beginning for change toward the discrimination faced by same sex- binational couples,” said Mickey Lim, Vice President of the grassroots organization Out4Immigration, which works to raise awareness about this issue. “We recognize the significance of the reintroduction of the UAFA during Freedom to Marry Week because immigration rights are one of the 1,138 rights same-sex couples are denied at the federal level because our relationships are not recognized by our government.”
The UAFA already has 50+ co-sponsors in the House and 12 in the Senate. Rep. Nadler is hopeful that the bill will finally get a hearing at the Committee level this time around. With a new administration in place, a bill of this caliber – which addresses both LGBT issues and immigration issues – has a good chance of receiving more support than in the past.
“President Obama indicated he supports this legislation during his campaign,” said Lim. “Therefore, we hope the UAFA will finally get a hearing at the Committee level. This will help more people understand the impact that this discrimination has had on hundreds and thousands of same-sex binational couples.”
Once the UAFA gets out of committee, it can go for a floor vote. The significance of having many co-sponsors on board early on indicates the bill has a good chance of passing in Congress. Once that happens it goes to the President’s desk. President Obama is on record saying he wants to “afford same-sex couples the same rights and obligations as married couples in our immigration system.”
For more information:
Rep. Nadler Continues Fight for LGBT Immigrant Rights: Uniting American Families Act Would Allow Americans to Sponsor Permanent Partners: http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ny08_nadler/UAFA_021209.html
Leahy Introduces Bill To Provide Equality Under Immigration Law: http://leahy.senate.gov/press/200902/021209b.html
The White House: President Barack Obama: Civil Rights: Support for the LGBT Community: Support Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples: http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/civil_rights/
Senator Obama’s Open Letter to LGBT Community Echoes Out4Immigration’s Call: http://www.out4immigration.org/immigration/content_detail.asp?=&id=1231&ctid=148
The Uniting American Families Act (H.R. 2221): http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:HR02221:
The Uniting American Families Act (S.1328): http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:SN01328:
Human Rights Watch Report: Family Unvalued: Discrimination, Denial, and the Fate of Binational Same-Sex Couples under US Law: http://www.hrw.org/reports/2006/us0506/
About Out4Immigration:
Out4Immigration is a grassroots organization based in San Francisco that addresses the widespread discriminatory impact of US immigration laws on the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and HIV+ people and their families through education, outreach, advocacy and the maintenance of a resource and support network. For more information, visit www.out4immigration.org. To schedule interviews with same-sex binational couples who are available to speak with the media on this issue, including Spanish-speaking couples, please contact Amos Lim, amos at out4immigration.org, 415-375-3765 or Kathy Drasky at kathy at out4immigration.org, 415-606-2085.
Friday, April 04, 2008
Clinton Says She Supports Federal Law Changes to Help Same-Sex Binational Couples
Presidential Contender Recognizes Disparity in State Marriage, Civil Union and Domestic Partner Laws that Bar LGBT Citizens from Equal Immigration Rights
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—April 3, 2008—Democratic presidential contender Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) said in an interview today that the lack of federal protections for LGBT couples, particularly where immigration rights are concerned, are “one of the biggest problems that we’ve got to contend with.”
In a ground-breaking interview with Philadelphia Gay News reporters Mark Segal and Sarah Blazucki, Senator Clinton was asked point blank what she would do to improve the immigration policy for same-sex couples in which one partner is American and the other is from another country. Heterosexuals in this situation typically take advantage of federal marriage laws. By legally marrying, the American can then sponsor the foreign partner for a green card. Because immigration rights are part of federal marriage provisions, gays and lesbians, barred from federal marriage are also barred from equal immigration rights.
“Even states that have civil unions, domestic partnerships or even marriage laws are running into roadblocks with the federal government when it comes to federal benefits and privileges,” Senator Clinton said.
“Of course, immigration is a federal responsibility and I am going to do everything I can to eliminate any disparities in any benefits or rights under our law at the federal level so that all people will have available to them every right as an American citizen that they should, and that would include immigration law.”
Clinton’s comments go a step further than that of her rival for the Democratic presidential nomination. On February 29, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) said he had “worked to improve the Uniting American Families Act so we can afford same-sex couples the same rights and obligations as married couples in our immigration system.” The UAFA would amend existing immigration law by adding the words “or permanent partner” everywhere the word “spouse” appears, thus circumventing comprehensive immigration reform or changes to federal marriage recognition laws.
“Out4Immigration is encouraged by Senator Clinton’s comments,” said Michael Lim, Vice President of the national grassroots organization Out4Immigration, a group dedicated to raising awareness about the discrimination LGBT Americans and their foreign partners face under current US immigration law.
“We hope that both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama mean what they say about changing laws that discriminate against and hurt our families,” Lim said. He cites a 2006 Human Rights Watch report that estimates there are 36,000 same-sex binational couples currently living in the United States. Every year, thousands of these couples are forced to either leave the United States or live apart because they have no legal options of remaining together in the United States.
The UAFA, introduced in May 2007 by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), currently has 90 co-sponsors in the House and 12 in the Senate.
“Ironically, neither Senator Clinton nor Senator Obama is a co-sponsor of this bill,” said Lim. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), the presumptive Republican nominee has not signed on either.
______________
For more information:
Out4Immigration: http://www.out4immigration.org
SAN FRANCISCO, CA—April 3, 2008—Democratic presidential contender Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) said in an interview today that the lack of federal protections for LGBT couples, particularly where immigration rights are concerned, are “one of the biggest problems that we’ve got to contend with.”
In a ground-breaking interview with Philadelphia Gay News reporters Mark Segal and Sarah Blazucki, Senator Clinton was asked point blank what she would do to improve the immigration policy for same-sex couples in which one partner is American and the other is from another country. Heterosexuals in this situation typically take advantage of federal marriage laws. By legally marrying, the American can then sponsor the foreign partner for a green card. Because immigration rights are part of federal marriage provisions, gays and lesbians, barred from federal marriage are also barred from equal immigration rights.
“Even states that have civil unions, domestic partnerships or even marriage laws are running into roadblocks with the federal government when it comes to federal benefits and privileges,” Senator Clinton said.
“Of course, immigration is a federal responsibility and I am going to do everything I can to eliminate any disparities in any benefits or rights under our law at the federal level so that all people will have available to them every right as an American citizen that they should, and that would include immigration law.”
Clinton’s comments go a step further than that of her rival for the Democratic presidential nomination. On February 29, Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) said he had “worked to improve the Uniting American Families Act so we can afford same-sex couples the same rights and obligations as married couples in our immigration system.” The UAFA would amend existing immigration law by adding the words “or permanent partner” everywhere the word “spouse” appears, thus circumventing comprehensive immigration reform or changes to federal marriage recognition laws.
“Out4Immigration is encouraged by Senator Clinton’s comments,” said Michael Lim, Vice President of the national grassroots organization Out4Immigration, a group dedicated to raising awareness about the discrimination LGBT Americans and their foreign partners face under current US immigration law.
“We hope that both Senator Clinton and Senator Obama mean what they say about changing laws that discriminate against and hurt our families,” Lim said. He cites a 2006 Human Rights Watch report that estimates there are 36,000 same-sex binational couples currently living in the United States. Every year, thousands of these couples are forced to either leave the United States or live apart because they have no legal options of remaining together in the United States.
The UAFA, introduced in May 2007 by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT), currently has 90 co-sponsors in the House and 12 in the Senate.
“Ironically, neither Senator Clinton nor Senator Obama is a co-sponsor of this bill,” said Lim. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), the presumptive Republican nominee has not signed on either.
______________
For more information:
Out4Immigration: http://www.out4immigration.org
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Rising immigration not linked to crime rates: study
DUH! I just saw this news article on Reuters. And just had to link it. I think politicians and anti-immigration groups should stop saying (1) that immigrants brings crime with them and increase the incidence of crimes - WE DON'T (2)comprehensive immigration reform is an AMNESTY for undocumented aliens - THEY AREN'T!
LOOK - amnesty happens when people like Scooter Libby is PARDONED by Bush without serving any sentence for essentially leaking national secrets - a treason IMHO. If you have to pay a fine, restitutions and go stand in line with everyone else in the green card application line (not the front the line, mind you), where's the amnesty?
Anyways, here's the article from reuters, click on the link to read the complete article:
Rising immigration not linked to crime rates: study
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Contrary to common beliefs, rising immigration levels do not drive up crime rates, particularly in poor communities, and Mexican-Americans are the least likely to commit crimes, according to a new study.
Robert Sampson, a sociologist at Harvard University who studied crime and immigration in 180 neighborhoods in Chicago over seven years, found that first-generation immigrants were 45 percent less likely to commit violent acts than third generation Americans. Read the complete article
LOOK - amnesty happens when people like Scooter Libby is PARDONED by Bush without serving any sentence for essentially leaking national secrets - a treason IMHO. If you have to pay a fine, restitutions and go stand in line with everyone else in the green card application line (not the front the line, mind you), where's the amnesty?
Anyways, here's the article from reuters, click on the link to read the complete article:
Rising immigration not linked to crime rates: study
NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Contrary to common beliefs, rising immigration levels do not drive up crime rates, particularly in poor communities, and Mexican-Americans are the least likely to commit crimes, according to a new study.
Robert Sampson, a sociologist at Harvard University who studied crime and immigration in 180 neighborhoods in Chicago over seven years, found that first-generation immigrants were 45 percent less likely to commit violent acts than third generation Americans. Read the complete article
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Natalie Portman supports Same Sex Immigration
I have always been impressed with Natalie Portman - from her first movie with Luc Besson to her last movie, V For Vendetta. She is intelligent, beautiful and humble. She is also an activist, going round the world to support micro loans to women in poor countries. Now she has voice her support for same sex immigration, as well as marriage equality, in the latest interview with W Magazine.
The full article can be found here but here's what she said about this issue:
On equality for all in marriage: “I’m into monogamy. But I’m not really into marriage right now. I sort of hate the legal aspect of it. What does the state have to do with it? Why are they making rules that say my lover can stay in the United States if they’re foreign or share my health care benefits because I’m straight—but if you’re gay, you can’t have that?”
Many people don't understand that the fight for marriage equality is not about special rights.... it is in fact about being allowed/given the same rights as straight couples. Something which at 2008, gay people still do not have.
Thank you Natalie!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Congressman Tom Lantos
Mickey and I are saddened today by the news of the passing of Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA). We have lived in Rep. Lantos' district for a number of years and could always count on him as a leader in the world fighing against discrimination and for equal rights.
He was--as many of you know---a longtime supporter of LGBT rights and an original supporter of the Uniting American Families Act, and for that support Out4Immigration will always be grateful.
We could always depend on Congressman Lantos to act in our interests and with courage against injustice and as a strong ally for our community.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Congressman Lantos' wife, daughters and families. Thank you for sharing his talent with us. His legacy will continue to shine.
Amos Lim
Note: For those of you who would like to offer your condolences to the Lantos family directly, please go to the Congressman's website at:http://www.lantos.house.gov/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
He was--as many of you know---a longtime supporter of LGBT rights and an original supporter of the Uniting American Families Act, and for that support Out4Immigration will always be grateful.
We could always depend on Congressman Lantos to act in our interests and with courage against injustice and as a strong ally for our community.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Congressman Lantos' wife, daughters and families. Thank you for sharing his talent with us. His legacy will continue to shine.
Amos Lim
Note: For those of you who would like to offer your condolences to the Lantos family directly, please go to the Congressman's website at:
Friday, October 26, 2007
Confirmation of my Growing Distrust of Obama
I cannot support someone who during his time in the US Senate has failed to co-sponsor the Uniting American Families Act (s 1328) yet on the HRC questionnaire says that they support the Uniting American Families Act. (can we say pandering hypocrite?) Further, having heard that an anti-gay ("ex-gay" self-hating) minister has been included in Mr Obama's gospel tour confirms my growing distrust of Obama. (hypocrite in the company of hypocrites)
How can Mr Obama of all people not understand that separate but equal (as the Mass Supreme Court said) is inherently unequal? As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "inequality anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
"In a statement, Obama said he believes gays and lesbians are 'our brothers and sisters' and should be afforded the same respect, dignity and rights granted all other citizens." I've heard him say regarding S. 1328 that he has concerns about fraud. So are LGBT Americans more apt to commit fraud than hetero Americans? Addressing fraud is a different issue. Thousands of Americans are living in Exile because this country will not allow them to stay in here with their partner. The UAFA would add the phrase "or permanent partner" where ever spouse is used in the Immigration laws. This would give LGBT Americans a seat at the table - a seat that is currently denied. The right every other American has to petition - to allow the trained investigators of the Department of Homeland security to investigate the legitimacy of the relationship – as they currently do with all marriage VISA / greencard petitions.
When Banks get robbed, you don't close the bank, or deny access to banking services to random groups of people. You impliment security measures. Fear of fraud cannot not be a legitimate reason to deny Americans equal rights. This "fear argument" is the same twisted type of logic used by Bush to shred the constitution.
I appreciate much of what Mr Obama has to say, but I cannot support someone who propagates injustice and intolerance and inequality.
Respectfully,
Michael Lim, RPh
How can Mr Obama of all people not understand that separate but equal (as the Mass Supreme Court said) is inherently unequal? As Martin Luther King Jr. said, "inequality anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
"In a statement, Obama said he believes gays and lesbians are 'our brothers and sisters' and should be afforded the same respect, dignity and rights granted all other citizens." I've heard him say regarding S. 1328 that he has concerns about fraud. So are LGBT Americans more apt to commit fraud than hetero Americans? Addressing fraud is a different issue. Thousands of Americans are living in Exile because this country will not allow them to stay in here with their partner. The UAFA would add the phrase "or permanent partner" where ever spouse is used in the Immigration laws. This would give LGBT Americans a seat at the table - a seat that is currently denied. The right every other American has to petition - to allow the trained investigators of the Department of Homeland security to investigate the legitimacy of the relationship – as they currently do with all marriage VISA / greencard petitions.
When Banks get robbed, you don't close the bank, or deny access to banking services to random groups of people. You impliment security measures. Fear of fraud cannot not be a legitimate reason to deny Americans equal rights. This "fear argument" is the same twisted type of logic used by Bush to shred the constitution.
I appreciate much of what Mr Obama has to say, but I cannot support someone who propagates injustice and intolerance and inequality.
Respectfully,
Michael Lim, RPh
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Congress Introduces Bill to Give Same-Sex Binational Couples Same Rights as Heterosexuals
Out4Immigration just put out a press release on the UAFA... here it is... for more information about O4I, please go to http://www.out4immigration.org
Congress Introduces Bill to Give Same-Sex Binational Couples Same Rights as Heterosexuals
Out4Immigration Applauds Nadler-Leahy Uniting American Families Act (UAFA)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA —May 9, 2007— In a major step to end immigration discrimination against gay and lesbian couples and their families, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) on Tuesday. This legislation would allow Americans in same-sex binational relationships to sponsor their “permanent partners” for legal residency in the United States, a right currently afforded only to opposite-sex couples under immigration law.
“It is about time the US joined nearly 20 other countries in providing protection for the most basic human rights for its citizens—the ability to live in your own country, with the person you love,” said Michael Lim, Vice President of Out4Immigration (www.out4immigration.org), a grassroots organization that advocates for an end to discrimination in US immigration policy. “Gays and lesbians should have the same immigration rights afforded heterosexuals.”
Lim, an American citizen and veteran, has first-hand experience with immigration discrimination. For 12 years, he has been in a same-sex binational relationship with his partner, who is from an Asian country. The couple was forced to live separately for part of their relationship, each in their respective country, because the US does not recognize them as “spouses”. This made them ineligible to apply for a green card under family unification provisions.
“Congressman Nadler and Senator Leahy recognize that the promotion of family unity has long been part of federal immigration policy,” said Lim, who emphasizes that regardless of state laws providing gays and lesbians with civil union and domestic partnership protections, or marriage, as is the case in Massachusetts, immigration is a federal issue. “A lesbian or gay American in love with a person from another country has no rights to protect that relationship federally. At the federal level, you are what are known as ‘legal strangers’. The US government simply does not recognize you as a couple.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Senator Leahy echoed this sentiment when he said, “Our immigration laws treat gays and lesbians in committed relationships as second-class citizens.”
Congressman Nadler added that the UAFA “is a matter of basic fairness and compassion. We simply ask that gay and lesbian Americans in loving, committed relationships receive the same treatment as everyone else.”
The UAFA calls for adding the words “or permanent partner” to current US immigration law wherever the word “spouse” appears. This small but significant change could help an estimated 36,000 same-sex binational couples end an often tenuous existence in the US and begin to live their lives here freely, equally and legally. “I know many couples who have been forced to leave the US—or live apart like my partner and I once did,” said Lim. “The UAFA would not only help American citizens and their partners who are already living in the US, it would also help bring many of them home.”
Congress Introduces Bill to Give Same-Sex Binational Couples Same Rights as Heterosexuals
Out4Immigration Applauds Nadler-Leahy Uniting American Families Act (UAFA)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA —May 9, 2007— In a major step to end immigration discrimination against gay and lesbian couples and their families, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, introduced the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) on Tuesday. This legislation would allow Americans in same-sex binational relationships to sponsor their “permanent partners” for legal residency in the United States, a right currently afforded only to opposite-sex couples under immigration law.
“It is about time the US joined nearly 20 other countries in providing protection for the most basic human rights for its citizens—the ability to live in your own country, with the person you love,” said Michael Lim, Vice President of Out4Immigration (www.out4immigration.org), a grassroots organization that advocates for an end to discrimination in US immigration policy. “Gays and lesbians should have the same immigration rights afforded heterosexuals.”
Lim, an American citizen and veteran, has first-hand experience with immigration discrimination. For 12 years, he has been in a same-sex binational relationship with his partner, who is from an Asian country. The couple was forced to live separately for part of their relationship, each in their respective country, because the US does not recognize them as “spouses”. This made them ineligible to apply for a green card under family unification provisions.
“Congressman Nadler and Senator Leahy recognize that the promotion of family unity has long been part of federal immigration policy,” said Lim, who emphasizes that regardless of state laws providing gays and lesbians with civil union and domestic partnership protections, or marriage, as is the case in Massachusetts, immigration is a federal issue. “A lesbian or gay American in love with a person from another country has no rights to protect that relationship federally. At the federal level, you are what are known as ‘legal strangers’. The US government simply does not recognize you as a couple.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Senator Leahy echoed this sentiment when he said, “Our immigration laws treat gays and lesbians in committed relationships as second-class citizens.”
Congressman Nadler added that the UAFA “is a matter of basic fairness and compassion. We simply ask that gay and lesbian Americans in loving, committed relationships receive the same treatment as everyone else.”
The UAFA calls for adding the words “or permanent partner” to current US immigration law wherever the word “spouse” appears. This small but significant change could help an estimated 36,000 same-sex binational couples end an often tenuous existence in the US and begin to live their lives here freely, equally and legally. “I know many couples who have been forced to leave the US—or live apart like my partner and I once did,” said Lim. “The UAFA would not only help American citizens and their partners who are already living in the US, it would also help bring many of them home.”
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
UAFA Reintroduced
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, today introduced the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
I am so glad that they came Out 4 Immigration and for equality again. I just hope the rest of congress will come out for equality too and pass this law.
For more information about this bill, check out Out4Immigration's website.
Click here to send your representative a letter urging them to support the bill.
I am so glad that they came Out 4 Immigration and for equality again. I just hope the rest of congress will come out for equality too and pass this law.
For more information about this bill, check out Out4Immigration's website.
Click here to send your representative a letter urging them to support the bill.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
an op-ed I wrote
On April 21st, the day that my partner and I celebrated our 12th anniversary, Governor Christine Gregoire signed legislation giving legal rights to domestic partners in the state of Washington. Then a week later, the legislature of New Hampshire passed a civil union bill and Governor John Lynch promised to sign it into law.
The happy occasion and the good news was cause for us to remember the difficult struggle we (and many other same-sex binational couples) had to go through to stay/enter the US and stay together. Mickey is a US citizen and I am from Singapore, but because we are gay, Mickey had no right to sponsor me for a green card. For the better part of two years, we lived on different continents. After 10 years of battling the US immigration system for me to stay here legally with Mickey, I was fortunate enough to find an employer to sponsor me. Six months ago, I received approval from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for a green card. I use the word “fortunate” in this sense because Mickey and I are but a small percentage of thousands of same-sex binational couples who have been able to put an end to a multi-year struggle to legally stay together in this country.
Many others have not been as lucky and have been forced to leave the country to live in exile, leaving behind their families, friends, and professions. Their love is so strong that everything and everyone else in their lives have been abandoned for a life in another country that would accept them as a loving couple.
In the course of our struggles, Mickey and I became involved with Out4Immigration (www.out4immigration.org), a grassroots organization that advocates for a change in US immigration policy to allow same-sex binational couples the same immigration rights heterosexuals can obtain through marriage. We've met many couples in similar situations. Manny and Gerald (not their real names) will celebrate their 30th anniversary this year. Gerald has numerous bachelor degrees and a Ph.D., so his application for a special skills green card was a sure thing; however, during the final stage of the process, it was discovered that Gerald was HIV- positive. If Manny and Gerald were a straight married couple, Manny could immediately apply for an HIV waiver for Gerald based on family reunification and get him a green card. This is a right available to straight couples but denied to gay couples.
Another couple, Jim and Jess, has been forced to live in exile in China because Jess's visa option ran out. Jim worked for a fortune 500 Company in Silicon Valley, and he was able to secure a reassignment to China so that he could keep his family together. Isn't it ironic that gay couples are forced to leave America for China? How does that make sense?
While California, like Washington, offers its gay and lesbian residents domestic partnership, Massachusetts has gay marriage, and New Hampshire has just joined Connecticut, Vermont and New Jersey in recognizing civil unions, these are state laws that are not recognized at the federal level. Immigration is a federal issue. And because of that none of this progress in relationship protection rights can help same-sex binational couples like Manny and Gerald, or Jim and Jess stay together legally in the US. The only way a gay or lesbian person in a relationship with a US citizen can obtain a green card is through their employer—or asylum (a long and difficult process, in which the person must prove they will be persecuted or otherwise harmed if they were forced to return to their native country).
According to a report released by Human Rights Watch titled “Family Unvalued”, there are about 36,000 same-sex binational couples living in the US today. Some of these couples, like Mickey and I, may be pursuing a green card through their work. And we hope they are successful. Many others are looking at options to leave the US, for the American to live in exile, but to live in a country that recognizes them as a couple and family. We believe, however, that the 36,000 same-sex binational couples who were willing to stand up and be counted are just the beginning of the story. We believe many more have made choices to stay here without the proper visa in order to stay with the person they love, no matter what the risks or cost.
As we celebrate the hard won advances toward FULL equality, it is important to remember that there are 1,138 benefits that are afforded heterosexual married couples at the federal level that are still denied to gay and lesbian couples. Only the federal government can grant the benefits of marriage when it comes to federal taxes, immigration, or waivers to the HIV entry ban. As the Massachusetts Supreme Court said, “We learned a long time ago in this country that separate but equal is inherently unequal.” It is an important distinction to remember: In the eyes of the federal government, gay and lesbian couples, whether binational or US citizens, are legal strangers.
Out4Immigration, http://www.out4immigration.org, addresses the widespread discriminatory impact of U.S. immigration laws on the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and HIV+ people and their families through education, outreach, advocacy and the maintenance of a resource and support network.
5/4/07 - Washington Blade just published my op-ed. YIPEE.... http://washblade.com/2007/5-4/view/editorial/10515.cfm
5/4/07 - Wow, A friend just called and told me that the BAR (http://www.ebar.com) picked it up too.
The happy occasion and the good news was cause for us to remember the difficult struggle we (and many other same-sex binational couples) had to go through to stay/enter the US and stay together. Mickey is a US citizen and I am from Singapore, but because we are gay, Mickey had no right to sponsor me for a green card. For the better part of two years, we lived on different continents. After 10 years of battling the US immigration system for me to stay here legally with Mickey, I was fortunate enough to find an employer to sponsor me. Six months ago, I received approval from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement for a green card. I use the word “fortunate” in this sense because Mickey and I are but a small percentage of thousands of same-sex binational couples who have been able to put an end to a multi-year struggle to legally stay together in this country.
Many others have not been as lucky and have been forced to leave the country to live in exile, leaving behind their families, friends, and professions. Their love is so strong that everything and everyone else in their lives have been abandoned for a life in another country that would accept them as a loving couple.
In the course of our struggles, Mickey and I became involved with Out4Immigration (www.out4immigration.org), a grassroots organization that advocates for a change in US immigration policy to allow same-sex binational couples the same immigration rights heterosexuals can obtain through marriage. We've met many couples in similar situations. Manny and Gerald (not their real names) will celebrate their 30th anniversary this year. Gerald has numerous bachelor degrees and a Ph.D., so his application for a special skills green card was a sure thing; however, during the final stage of the process, it was discovered that Gerald was HIV- positive. If Manny and Gerald were a straight married couple, Manny could immediately apply for an HIV waiver for Gerald based on family reunification and get him a green card. This is a right available to straight couples but denied to gay couples.
Another couple, Jim and Jess, has been forced to live in exile in China because Jess's visa option ran out. Jim worked for a fortune 500 Company in Silicon Valley, and he was able to secure a reassignment to China so that he could keep his family together. Isn't it ironic that gay couples are forced to leave America for China? How does that make sense?
While California, like Washington, offers its gay and lesbian residents domestic partnership, Massachusetts has gay marriage, and New Hampshire has just joined Connecticut, Vermont and New Jersey in recognizing civil unions, these are state laws that are not recognized at the federal level. Immigration is a federal issue. And because of that none of this progress in relationship protection rights can help same-sex binational couples like Manny and Gerald, or Jim and Jess stay together legally in the US. The only way a gay or lesbian person in a relationship with a US citizen can obtain a green card is through their employer—or asylum (a long and difficult process, in which the person must prove they will be persecuted or otherwise harmed if they were forced to return to their native country).
According to a report released by Human Rights Watch titled “Family Unvalued”, there are about 36,000 same-sex binational couples living in the US today. Some of these couples, like Mickey and I, may be pursuing a green card through their work. And we hope they are successful. Many others are looking at options to leave the US, for the American to live in exile, but to live in a country that recognizes them as a couple and family. We believe, however, that the 36,000 same-sex binational couples who were willing to stand up and be counted are just the beginning of the story. We believe many more have made choices to stay here without the proper visa in order to stay with the person they love, no matter what the risks or cost.
As we celebrate the hard won advances toward FULL equality, it is important to remember that there are 1,138 benefits that are afforded heterosexual married couples at the federal level that are still denied to gay and lesbian couples. Only the federal government can grant the benefits of marriage when it comes to federal taxes, immigration, or waivers to the HIV entry ban. As the Massachusetts Supreme Court said, “We learned a long time ago in this country that separate but equal is inherently unequal.” It is an important distinction to remember: In the eyes of the federal government, gay and lesbian couples, whether binational or US citizens, are legal strangers.
Out4Immigration, http://www.out4immigration.org, addresses the widespread discriminatory impact of U.S. immigration laws on the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and HIV+ people and their families through education, outreach, advocacy and the maintenance of a resource and support network.
5/4/07 - Washington Blade just published my op-ed. YIPEE.... http://washblade.com/2007/5-4/view/editorial/10515.cfm
5/4/07 - Wow, A friend just called and told me that the BAR (http://www.ebar.com) picked it up too.
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