Blogging on Bilerico: A Call for Inclusive Immigration Reform
The drum beat for an immigration reform measure that includes LGBT families just got much louder.
Earlier today, 60 Members of Congress – led by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) – released a letter calling on Congressional leaders, and the White House, to support an LGBT-inclusive immigration reform bill. The letter, which comes after news that Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is expected to introduce comprehensive immigration reform legislation soon, sends an unmistakable message: Including LGBT families in immigration reform isn’t just the right thing to do, but brings votes to the table, too.
Today’s statement was the work of the LGBT Equality Caucus, but the diverse list of co-signers represents lawmakers who are also part of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, too. The diverse line-up of signatories includes Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA), who introduced an inclusive immigration bill last year; Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), who heads up the Hispanic Caucus; and Congressman Mike Quigley (D-IL), whose hometown paper, The Chicago Tribune, first broke the news this morning. They joined 57 other Members in insisting that any future legislation include the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), a bill sponsored by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) which would end discrimination against LGBT families under U.S. immigration law.
“Currently,” the lawmakers wrote, “U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents may sponsor their spouses (and other immediate family members) for immigration purposes. But, same-sex partners committed to spending their lives together are not recognized as ‘families’ under U.S. immigration law and thus do not have this same right. As a result, tens of thousands of binational families are either already living separately, face imminent separation, or have left the U.S. entirely in order to remain together. This is unacceptable, and we believe comprehensive immigration reform legislation must include a strong family reunification component inclusive of LGBT families.”
“No one,” they insist, “should be forced to choose between the person they love and the country they call home. It is time that our immigration laws kept families together instead of tearing them apart.”
That’s welcome news for couples like Judy Rickard and her partner, Karin, who are currently living in France, because Judy is unable to sponsor Karin for permanent residency in the United Staets. Last year, Judy took early retirement from her job in California in order to be with Karin, who is a British citizen. They – like the more than 36,000 other couples currently separated or facing separation – are counting on Congress to tackle immigration reform this year . . . and include families like theirs as part of the process. For all of them, time is of the essence, and today’s letter helped move the ball forward not a moment too soon.
Now, the real work begins.
The powerful combination of Immigration Equality’s work in DC on the Hill and getting our stories into the press and the ongoing grass roots efforts to write/fax/call/e-mail/visit members of Congress is evident. Everyone needs to join in these efforts – do what you can to help pass UAFA! Follow Out4Immigration on Facebook and Twitter, take part in the weekly actions through change.org and become active in your State!
Comment by Tom T. — February 10, 2010 @ 10:46 am
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HURRY! IS it likely they will include it in the legislation? I will not support the democratic party ever again if they do not! I am committed to that. Obama and his ilk need to prove themselves over the next two years or they will not have most of the LGBTQQIA communities support! I will campaign against them and join the Green party if I have to!
Comment by Brian — February 10, 2010 @ 11:01 am
When is immigration reform supposed to happen though? If it doesn’t come in the next few months I think hope might be lost.
Comment by James — February 10, 2010 @ 1:38 pm
While the admirable lobbying work of IE behind the scenes and in the glare of the press are effective, important and likely (we shall soon see) successful in including UAFA in CIR, we should all have a plan B. If for any reason the good Senator Schumer excludes us, we should have a very visible, loud, and high profile demonstration/public protest/outcry of indignation that will make him feel the pressure, and potential consequences of his opposition to our group and cause. But we may have to move very fast so that he will be able to rectify the error quickly.
Comment by Joe — February 10, 2010 @ 8:01 pm
My plan B is looking more and more like leaving my country behind.. I really hope this makes progress this year..
I’m getting tired of repeating that line every year..
Comment by mark — February 11, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
I’d encourage everyone to do their part to help make this the year that C=IIR (Comprehensive=Inclusive Immigration Reform). Please join the ongoing letter-writing campaign through Out4Immigration, and join the efforts to get supportive resolutions passed all over the country through the C=IIR Campaign. CequalsIIR@gmail.com
Comment by Tom T. — February 12, 2010 @ 11:05 am
A group of us on Out4immigration.org are trying to organize a demonstration in Washington DC on March 21st, which is the same day that Reform Immigration for America is doing a march in Washington. The plan is that we would get as many bi-national couples or friends of bi-national together, with pictures of the bi-national couples to hold and get the press to take pictures of us. We are trying to get a headcount of how many people would be willing to attend such a demonstation. If we can get enough people together, we will do research on transportation, etc. So, if you are interested in participating or have friends that are willing to participate please email me at Ppnthr1@aol.com
Comment by Sandy — February 12, 2010 @ 1:18 pm