Immigration
TAKE ONLINE ACTION NOW! Ensure Just and Humane Immigration Reform
March 6, 2013 Seattle Times: Gay-rights movement’s new focus: immigration
Immigration Infographic: The LGBT Undocumented: By the Numbers
LGBT families can be torn apart because immigration law treats bi-national same-sex couples as though they were strangers. No one should have to choose between family and country. According to the U.S. Census, approximately 37,000 gay and lesbian Americans are bi-national couples, and nearly half of them are raising children. Any immigration reform must treat same-sex couples and families fairly. In particular, we support the Uniting American Families Act, which would grant same-sex couples equal treatment under immigration laws. This act is currently in committee in Congress.
Right now married same sex bi-national couples are unable to obtain a green card for the foreign partner due to DOMA. It is now expected that the Supreme Court will resolve this issue by June 2013. However, these couples suffer from the discriminatory effects of DOMA everyday. The right thing to do is to put green card applications that are filed by married same sex bi-national couples on hold so that they could have some relief until then. Since doing so doesn’t violate DOMA, there is no good reason not to take this step.
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