I am sitting here at work watching the telecast of the inauguration of President Obama and just tearing up. I am a Singaporean living in the United States for the past 9 years now and I really do not remember watching the auguration(s) of bush. I think I was at Civic Center with throngs of people protesting the inauguration.
Mickey still always reminded me that even though he felt sick to his stomach after election nights 8 years ago (and was even more sick 4 years later), I kept asking… well… okay… maybe Bush won… but how bad can he be? He said I was naïve…. But as a new transplant, who just moved his entire life to come to the United States in order to be with the person that he fell in love with and still trying to understand politics here…. Really, how bad can it be?
Well… eight years have taught me a lot and the truth is that we have been through a lot. We are now at war with 2 countries, we have killed thousands of innocent people in Iraq, we have ignored the rule of law, we have ignored Geneva conventions and start torturing people, we have split the country rather than unite the country, we encouraged people to go shopping rather than sacrifice or take care of one another after 9/11, we have used LGBT people disparagingly as a wedge issue to win elections…. The list goes on.
Look, I am not totally all crazy over Barack Obama, however, over the past months, over the past few days, I have been overwhelmed by the change in attitude…. I feel that people are chirpier, more optimistic about the future…. I feel that people are aware of the difficulties that we are going to be facing… but at the same time, I feel people feeling resolved that they are ready to roll up their sleeves and work and sacrifice and take care of each other.
I am still disappointed that our president who comes from an inter-racial marriage and whose family is a rainbow portrait of multi-ethnicity would say that he does not support gay marriage but supports civil unions. It is a wonder for me that while he is a product of “separate but equal is not equal”, he would not support gay marriage but thinks civil unions is sufficient. That said, this is the first time, in my memory at least, that our President’s agenda as printed on whitehouse.gov includes LGBT issues as a civil rights issues.
To me – that is a start. To quote Bruce Vilanch “Kids, the only solution for us is to reluctantly, but firmly, vow to be the unpopular people who force our new leader's feet to the fire on a regular basis” http://wockner.blogspot.com/2009/01/gay-vips-on-obama-25.html
I hope and wish that this president fulfills his promise to all of us. The United States of America right now is in a BIG mess… the financial world is collapsing, people are losing their house to foreclosures, unemployment is very high, we are in a HUGE deficit and would be for a long time, people are losing health insurance …. Tough times…. But no matter what, as President Obama calls us to work together and to sacrifice, we also need to continue a watchful eye to ensure that he guarantees basic civil rights for all of us, for all LGBT people.
At the end of the day though, I think Scott Long, Director of Human Rights Watch’s LGBT Division says it best…. “Before we're LGBT people, or Americans, we're human beings. We deserve a government that respects human rights, and whether it tramples on them in Fallujah or New Orleans, we all suffer. Of course, there's more on the agenda. I'm all for the big tent (or is it wide stance?) that Obama seems to be attempting. The quarter of Americans who believe that homosexuals are bound straight for hell are not going away; the sensible thing is to look for some minimal measure of common ground, so that the diatribes can give way to dialogue at least around the edges. But he still needs to stand up for basic civil rights: pass ENDA (trans-inclusive), endorse the Uniting American Families Act, disavow DOMA, let soldiers ask and tell. He needs to be reminded every day that human rights are indivisible. After eight years of duplicity and division, even the most idealistic leaders may succumb to the habitual lapses of a corrupted government, and forget their way." http://wockner.blogspot.com/2009/01/gay-vips-on-obama-13.html
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
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:
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Al Gore comes out for Gay Marriage
I am glad that Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize Winner Al Gore finally sounds off on his support for Marriage Equality - that's awesome! Now I am just waiting from the rest of the Democratic Presidential Candidate supposed front runner to support this.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Open letter to Senator Leahy concerning the Uniting American Families Act
Dear Senator Patrick Leahy,
I am writing to you today concerning S. 1328 the Uniting American Families Act, which you introduced in May of last year. I would like to thank you for sponsoring this legislation for the past 3 sessions of Congress.
Upon introduction, the bill was sent to the Judiciary Committee to which you are the Chair. This is the part that confuses me. I understand that it was difficult when the Republicans were in charge to get a hearing, but you're in charge now. Not just the Democrats, but YOU are in control of the committee that is in control of this bill.
When will you be scheduling hearings. When will testimony be put into the record? I personally know dozens, if not into the hundreds of couples that have suffered forced separation from their families. The stories are so heartbreaking. I can only imagine that it was these stories that motivated you to introduce this legislation 3 times.
My own Senator Feinstein, refuses to hear the cries. She replies to the thousands of letters with form letters. Upon notice, we could have your committee rooms flooded with loving caring families - parents, children, partners all. We are generally not rich people. We are generally just average working people - working hard, and trying to find a happy life together with our families. With incredible hardship, and at extra ordinary expense, some couples are able to stay together, here or in exile. All families ultimately suffer profound suffering.
The choices and hardship incurred by these couples and their families serve no national interest, and the obstructions they face, are simply cruel. When will you allow our stories to be heard.
Sir, I am a veteran, and a patriot. One of our most coveted documents - statement of principals: The Declaration of Independence is not just words to me. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
I challenge anyone to listen to our stories and not be moved. I challenge anyone to listen to our stories and not recognize that we are being denied that unalienable Right which was clearly articulated as inalienable by the founding fathers. Let the chorus of our voices be heard
I look forward to hearing from you concerning the scheduling of hearings on S. 1328.
Warmest Regards,
Mickey Lim
I am writing to you today concerning S. 1328 the Uniting American Families Act, which you introduced in May of last year. I would like to thank you for sponsoring this legislation for the past 3 sessions of Congress.
Upon introduction, the bill was sent to the Judiciary Committee to which you are the Chair. This is the part that confuses me. I understand that it was difficult when the Republicans were in charge to get a hearing, but you're in charge now. Not just the Democrats, but YOU are in control of the committee that is in control of this bill.
When will you be scheduling hearings. When will testimony be put into the record? I personally know dozens, if not into the hundreds of couples that have suffered forced separation from their families. The stories are so heartbreaking. I can only imagine that it was these stories that motivated you to introduce this legislation 3 times.
My own Senator Feinstein, refuses to hear the cries. She replies to the thousands of letters with form letters. Upon notice, we could have your committee rooms flooded with loving caring families - parents, children, partners all. We are generally not rich people. We are generally just average working people - working hard, and trying to find a happy life together with our families. With incredible hardship, and at extra ordinary expense, some couples are able to stay together, here or in exile. All families ultimately suffer profound suffering.
The choices and hardship incurred by these couples and their families serve no national interest, and the obstructions they face, are simply cruel. When will you allow our stories to be heard.
Sir, I am a veteran, and a patriot. One of our most coveted documents - statement of principals: The Declaration of Independence is not just words to me. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
I challenge anyone to listen to our stories and not be moved. I challenge anyone to listen to our stories and not recognize that we are being denied that unalienable Right which was clearly articulated as inalienable by the founding fathers. Let the chorus of our voices be heard
I look forward to hearing from you concerning the scheduling of hearings on S. 1328.
Warmest Regards,
Mickey Lim
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.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Are we safe at home?
Tornados touchdown at Greenburg, Kansas and destroyed the whole town.... however the National Guards and their equipments are not in town to help out.... their equipments are in Iraq.... hmm... so how are we safe if we cannot protect our own citizens? Read the articles from NY Times.
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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