Here is another story that Members of Congress will hear during Lobby Week – NEXT WEEK.

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I personally love this story because Silas, the writer, clearly talk about how forcing him and his partner into exile will affect the United States. The fact is, when this country forces people into exile there is a tremendous loss; we need to boldly communicate this to Congress.

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If you cannot join us in DC next week, visit our UAFA Action Center and find out how you can take action locally.

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In 2005, after two years spent teaching 6th grade in inner-city Los Angeles through Teach for America, I moved to South Africa to pursue a Masters in Public Health at the University of Pretoria. My studies were financed through a full scholarship from Rotary International. This Ambassadorial Scholarship is awarded to future community leaders based on their commitment to advancing peace and understanding around the world. I left the classroom to focus on public health in an effort to address the many health problems preventing my South Central students from achieving at the high levels they were capable of. As part of my research in South Africa, I worked with schools in township (high-poverty) areas to design and implement community-based strategies to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
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While in South Africa, I met and fell in love with Gerhard, a 28-year-old, well-established industrial engineer. We quickly began building a life together in South Africa.
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After two years, my grandmother became very ill. Gerhard and I decided to move to the United States to move into her home and take care of her. I found a job working for a non-profit organization improving access to medicines around the world. In order for Gerhard to come to the United States, he enrolled for a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. He has cashed in all of his savings and retirement to pay for his studies. Even though he has a 4.0 grade point average and is volunteering at a prestigious human rights organization, he is not guaranteed a job or any permanency upon graduation. His dwindling savings and our inability to plan for a life in the United States beyond his visa expiration date have put a damper on what should be an exciting experience in a new country.
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I love my country and I am a proud American. I have dedicated my life to working to addressing injustice and inequity all across the United States. It is tremendously painful for me to feel I need to choose between my love of country and my love for my spouse – that is not a choice anyone should be forced to make. United States Immigration law has recognized the damage this choice can do on a personal and community-level and allows Americans to sponsor opposite-gender foreign national spouses for permanent residency. Denying me and Gerhard this right goes against the spirit of that law and it needs to be changed. I am not asking to be given any special rights – only that he be given the same opportunity to prove his suitability for United States permanent residency.
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If the Uniting American Families Act is not passed, Gerhard and I will be forced to leave. Not only will the United States lose me, a highly-educated and committed community advocate, but the also lose Gerhard, a determined accountant who, if given the chance, would contribute greatly to this country’s development. Is that something the United States can afford to do in today’s global economy?
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I urge you to support the UAFA.