Author Archives: Steve Ralls

Lesbian & Gay Immigrant Families Abandoned During Judiciary Committee Immigration Mark-up

May 21, 2013 / by Steve Ralls / Comments: 30

Following months of threats and pressure by some Republican members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT) announced today he is withholding amendments to the immigration bill that would end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) immigrant families. Read more

Posted in Couples & Families, Immigration Reform, LGBT, Press Release | 30 Comments

Read Congressman Kolbe’s Testimony in Support of Inclusive Immigration Reform

April 22, 2013 / by Steve Ralls / Comments: 6

Earlier today, former Congressman Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in favor of adding LGBT families to the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform bill. Congressman Kolbe, himself part of a binational relationship, talked about the struggles he and his partner, Hector Alfonso, faced in navigating the immigration system. Read more

Posted in Couples and Families | 6 Comments

Allies Speak Out for LGBT Families in Immigration Reform

April 17, 2013 / by Steve Ralls / Comments: 10

Following introduction of the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform proposal, allies from the LGBT and immigrant communities have added their voices to those calling for the inclusion of our families in a final bill. Here’s what some of our allies are saying. Read more

Posted in Uncategorized | 10 Comments

The Immigration Bill: What’s There, What’s Missing & What’s Next

April 16, 2013 / by Steve Ralls / Comments: 14

This afternoon, the long-anticipated comprehensive immigration reform bill from the Senate’s “Gang of 8” will finally be introduced. It is a big, complex piece of legislation that addresses many different immigration issues. We already know, however, some of the high – and low – points of the bill. Read more

Posted in Asylum, Couples and Families, Detention | 14 Comments

After the Supremes: April 1 Call with Immigration Equality

March 27, 2013 / by Steve Ralls / Comments: 25

Join us on Monday, April 1st at 1pm ET for a conversation with Immigration Equality’s legal and policy directors about what happens now. We will talk about the two different cases before the court; what couples should expect and plan for in the months leading up to the court’s ruling; and why our legislative work is still so important . . . as well as how you can help us win on Capitol Hill. Read more

Posted in Couples and Families | 25 Comments