97 Comments »

1. Awesome.

   Comment by nola — May 22, 2009 @ 1:35 pm

2. Wow! What a lovely surprise! Keep up the great work, guys

   Comment by Jude — May 22, 2009 @ 1:39 pm

3. This is wonderful news! If there is anything my partner and I can do (14 year relationship, I’m from the UK, she’s American, I have a Ph.D., am currently transitioning from student to H1-B visa) either by writing our story or coming to speak, PLEASE let us know!

   Comment by Kirsti — May 22, 2009 @ 1:47 pm

4. Yay!!!

   Comment by Chris — May 22, 2009 @ 1:54 pm

5. One more step toward equality! Yes we can!

   Comment by SeaMex — May 22, 2009 @ 2:04 pm

6. This is great news!!! We have waited too long already, finally some real hope!

   Comment by InExile — May 22, 2009 @ 2:06 pm

7. …oh…my… god… that’s what I thought when I first saw that headline.. very exciting news!

   In other news: CA Supreme Court to announce their Prop 8 ruling on Tuesday May 26. My hunch? They’ll uphold Prop 8 but also honour all marriages prior to November’s vote.

   Comment by Tim — May 22, 2009 @ 2:14 pm

8. Seriously my heart skipped a beat! This is GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really believe that the efforts of IE and all the suffering families will be rewarded at the end. My hats off to all the people that made this possible, especially families such as the Tan/Mercados for their incredible courage. I truly believe that once our struggle is completely and fairly understood, we will stand a pretty good chance to attain the rights that we are entitled to.

   I feel so proud to have, for the first time in my life; engaged in creating change instead of being a mere witness. I believe though, that most likely UAFA will be part of the imminent CIR; because I believe it would be a safer way to ensure that our families are protected.

   My eternal gratitude (regardless of whatever happens) to Senator Lahey for his incredible efforts and amazing compassion and dedication.

   Today is a happy day

   Comment by Harrison — May 22, 2009 @ 2:31 pm

9. Historic and exciting! I feeling like going to this hearing to tell my story! We also gained THREE more co-sponsors in just one day, on May 21, 2009!!!! Still trying to get my partner’s Representative- Mark Schauer (D-MI-7th) and Senators Levin and Stabenow to co-sponsor.

   Comment by Jamie — May 22, 2009 @ 2:31 pm

10. Should IE shot a short film on few cases on gay bi-national couples on how our current immigration policy torn their families? Or we can download those short flims into a CD and sent to these 5 couples and let them distribute it to the congressman / media during hearing? It’s time to organize our move systematically and consolidate our efforts into 1 PERFECT STORM.

    Comment by Kim — May 22, 2009 @ 2:32 pm

11. The idea of a movie IS AWESOME. I seriusly think that the ammount of suffering that binational couples go through is heart-wrenching and would be a great tool ultimately. There are some videos on Youtube that prove this point. I just feel that these hearing will prove fundamental for the pursuit and ultimately achievement of equality and fairness.

    Comment by Harrison — May 22, 2009 @ 2:34 pm

12. THIS IS AWESOME… any conversation is great!! But I’m going to ask what may seem like a stupid question but…what does this mean??? Is it just conversation that give the co-sponsors a platform to let other congress people know about the issue or is discussion that will lead up to an actual vote? Thanks for your hard work!!! All of you.

    Comment by Karla — May 22, 2009 @ 2:39 pm

13. This is SO AWESOME!!!! My fiancée and I are so excited about this! We really hope that everything will work out! And there are only another twelve days untill the 3rd… oh gosh it has to work!!

    Comment by Kessha — May 22, 2009 @ 2:50 pm

14. Oh my Gosh. Finally our voices can be heard after such a long time! It’s long overdue but thanking all supporters of the bill and thanks IE for the update.

    Comment by Alex. A — May 22, 2009 @ 3:01 pm

15. OMG! Thanks IE for your continuing effort to make this day a reality!!!I think we should double our effort in writing to Reps. and Senators to ask for their support now. And also write to thank all those who have shown their support for the UAFA. Let’s spread the words out and let our voices heard!!!!

    Comment by Simon M — May 22, 2009 @ 3:10 pm

16. HIV immigrant ban complicates Cuban’s asylum request

    http://www.washblade.com/2009/5-22/news/national/14558.cfm

    Would share this news from Washington Blade with you guys. I wonder even UAFA get passed, our HIV + brothers & sisters can get the greencard or not out of HIV Ban. As what I said, just 2 more steps to get this job done. Please speak out for our HIV+ brothers & sisters to HHS and ask them to lift the ban.

    Comment by Kim — May 22, 2009 @ 3:17 pm

17. As far as I know you do not have to complete a HIV test or medical test for that matter for your Green Card application…or do you? Man…there are so many components to this immigration mess. I also gets nervous because even if UAFA passses, what if it is not switfly implemented just like the HIV Ban repeal? Let’s just remain positive. I believe we have to take one step out of time.

    Comment by Harrison — May 22, 2009 @ 3:22 pm

18. u have to take hiv and syphilis test for green card aplication and complete physical exam by ins approved md. i know that since i had to do the same when i applied

    Comment by robert — May 22, 2009 @ 3:24 pm

19. That’s good news! How does the process usually go? I am not familiar with lawmaking procedures. Can someone explain more on that? How and how long may it take for something to become a law? I am just feeling impatient after such a long period of waiting!!

    Comment by tryna — May 22, 2009 @ 3:34 pm

20. Oh, wow…what a wonderful surprise before the holiday weekend! I am literally JUMPING out of my chair in excitement! Finally, yet another positive step forward. Since Obama took ofice, this issue has actualy MOVED along! Keep up the good work.

    Comment by Karen — May 22, 2009 @ 3:37 pm

21. Hi – so, this is amazing news…Sorry for being a wimp, but I am signing anon because I am illegal in this country and have been for more than a decade. I so want to tell my story but I am afraid of being found out and deported. I have been with my USA partner for 13 years. I am from Europe and we live in the USA currently. My situation is not as bad as some but I never leave the country and hate the thought that there could be a family emergency that I can’t go to. How awful would that be? I shouldn’t be forced into this situation just because I am gay. My story is, of course, not unique but I must just tell you, IE, how much I honor and respect your hard work and dedication.

    Thanks, anon.

    Comment by Anonymous — May 22, 2009 @ 3:47 pm

22. And about repealing DOMA, here’s a FLIP-FLOP CAMPAIGN by GLAD: http://domaflipflop.com/

    Presidents have the option refusing to defend a law they view as unconstitutional on its face, of which there is no clearer example than DOMA (Defense Of Marriage Act). President Obama himself has called the law “abhorrent” and he’s a constitutional law professor. Given these premises, we feel that President Obama refuse to defend DOMA and should instead instruct his Department of Justice to join GLAD in this historic lawsuit. There is a deadline of June 29th for President Obama to make his decision. For a more detailed analysis, please read the website: http://domaflipflop.com/

    Comment by tryna — May 22, 2009 @ 4:18 pm

23. Thank you to IE and all! Thank you to Mr. Lahey and co-sponsors!!! I’m ready to do what’s next, looking forward to getting instructions. Nothing’s better than working … just waiting is hard.

    Comment by bkbzipper — May 22, 2009 @ 4:59 pm

24. …Brilliant!……..ok….what else can I do?…….
    call, continue to write to “leahey”..?

    Comment by derek — May 22, 2009 @ 5:00 pm

25. @Harrison

    I don’t think we need to worry that UAFA will go down the same path as the HIV ban. The reason that it is taking so long for the HIV ban to be completely lifted was because the HHS needs to remove HIV from the list communicable diseases. I believe that it will be done as soon as the new head of HHS, Kathleen Sebelius gets settled down in her new job and start getting things done. It will only be a matter of time before the ban is completely lifted. The UAFA, on the other hand, is simply an amendment to the current immigration law and once President Obama signs it into law, it will probably take 6 to 1o months (for training and changes to immigration forms) before it will go in effect. So don’t fret but keep contacting Reps. and Senators to ask for their support when the UAFA is out for a full House/Senate floor vote.

    Comment by Simon M — May 22, 2009 @ 5:02 pm

26. @Simon: Thanks for such a great explanation. All my doubts have been diffused.

    Comment by Harrison — May 22, 2009 @ 5:19 pm

27. An extraordinary milestone indeed!!! Finally, we can put a face to the love, commitment, struggle, pain, and suffering of so many bi-national couples who are invisible in the eyes of America’s unjust immigration policy. Thank you, Senator Leahy, thank you, IE, and thank you, everyone who has fought for equal treatment under the law. More so than ever, my and partner will do everything we can to make UAFA a reality in the near future.

    Comment by Rick — May 22, 2009 @ 6:55 pm

28. OMG. I’m still shaking from the news. My gf and I have been living apart for 2 years and one day as of today. Thank you everyone whom had made this happened. This is the best news yet.

    Comment by Lanette — May 22, 2009 @ 11:41 pm

29. Great work!
    Really appreciate all your efforts!
    When I read this news on my blackberry this afternoon, there was a sense of relief and hope.
    Let us know how can we provide help

    Comment by Jeff — May 22, 2009 @ 11:41 pm

30. This is certainly a great news. Finally, our efforts are getting somewhere. A hearing, wow, i have never thought that day would come for UAFA. Thanks to senator Patrick Leahy. For the first time, I really have a sense of hope here. Even a hearing for UAFA makes me in tears. This is such a big step forward!

    Comment by Chung Cheng Fang — May 23, 2009 @ 1:04 am

31. I am soo excited that we are finally moving. The not knowing news was killing me. What else do we need to do to keep this moving.

    Comment by Concerned citizen — May 23, 2009 @ 6:17 am

32. I am a film school student in a binational relationship. I would be willing to shoot and edit a montage of stories to further educate congressional hearing members on this topic. Some though that I already have seen done are good to already include.

    Comment by Jason Vitteri-Lewis — May 23, 2009 @ 9:02 am

33. Just read this at 3am out here in New Zealand and wondered if I was dreaming! Thank you Senator Leahy and IE!! What can the offshore partners do to contribute at this point?

    Comment by Helen. New Zealand. — May 23, 2009 @ 9:45 am

34. I have 2 questions:

    1. Does that hearing held in both the House and Senate together?

    2. Is that hearing just a meeting/ session? not vote on the bill?

    Comment by Clarence — May 23, 2009 @ 10:34 am

35. @Concerned citizen and everyone else

    What we need to do now is ramp up our effort to contact Senators and Reps. and ask for their support. Since the bill is moving to a hearing in the committee, a vote in the committee is imminent. Therefore, we need to contact the Reps and Senators in the committees in both House and Senate to vote YES for the UAFA. This is a very important step.Next step is to get the bill out of the committees and to a full House and Senate vote. So keep writing/calling/emailing/faxing the respectives Reps. and Senators! Thanks!!

    Comment by Simon M — May 23, 2009 @ 10:34 am

36. Bi-national couples’ immigration rights are gaining increasing awareness and importance in gay rights movement pushed by national organization and grassroots. It’s on Human Rights Campaign’s website; it’s regularly reported by The Advocate; it’s analyzed on Huffington Post; and it’s discussed in immigration seminar held by GLAD. Gay immigration is a two track issue—any progress on either the Comprehensive Immigration Reform or the gay rights movement will substantially advance our cause. On the website of 13 Love Stories (www.13LoveStories.com), UAFA is featured in one of them: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRMlpeP8M5A&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eadvocate%2Ecom%2Fvideo%2Fembed%2F1313%2Easp&feature=player_embedded

    Way to go, team! Again, I urge every bi-national couple to do whatever they can to call, write, speak out, blog, and/or contribute to IE if you can.

    Comment by Rick — May 23, 2009 @ 11:32 am

37. Yes We Can! Yes We Have! Now lets Move On to the next level. Awesome truly comes to mind. Awesome achievements by ImmigEqual and all you folks!!! Let us keep this snowball accumalating heft, speed and power. Don’t stop now, don’t slow down. Let’s email and write ON: thank all those who have emailed and written on our behalf, inform them of the progress and ask them to double efforts till full fruition. Again, Thank You IE, also for giving us all a venue to be much more effective and UNITED in our efforts!! Truly a “Memoriable” weekend!! I guess if millions in South Africa could realize their miracle more than a decade ago, then sure WE CAN in this decade or even year, too!!

    Comment by Joe — May 23, 2009 @ 11:43 am

38. We have lost so many good people and talents jsut because they are forced to move away from this country. Mayor Lown of San Angelo is a perfect example for that. He has recently step down from his re-elected mayor position so that he could stay with his partner in Mexico. Another reason why we need UAFA. Here’s the story: Hello IE,

    I know you have been collecting stories from binational couples. Well, there is one in recent news that I think we should share with our members. Mayer Lown of San Angelo has recently resigned his position after a landslide victory in his re-election. Between his high status and love, he chose to resign and move to Mexico to stay with his partner who has no legal status in the U.S. I think it is noble and honest of him for doing so. Isn’t this another perfect case why we need UAFA? We are losing talents and great people because they are forced to leave the country. This should not be the case in the U.S., which is supposed to be the nation of freedom and liberty. I am hoping the June 3rd hearing would help pushing the UAFA further. Please share the story with our members and our congresspersons if we could. Thanks. And here’s an article on Mayer Lown’s story: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/6436282.html

    Comment by tryna — May 23, 2009 @ 12:10 pm

39. We have lost so many good people and talents jsut because they are forced to move away from this country. Mayor Lown of San Angelo is a perfect example for that. He has recently step down from his re-elected mayor position so that he could stay with his partner in Mexico. Another reason why we need UAFA. Here’s the story: http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/hotstories/6436282.html

    Comment by tryna — May 23, 2009 @ 12:11 pm

40. This is fantastic!! Thank you to all who have worked so hard on our behalf. Thank you so much IE and Senator Leahy. When this passes(power of positive thinking) what sort of time line are we looking at before the process of sponsorship can begin. What can I do now as a Canadian? My partner and I were just married here in Canada a month ago. It was a beautiful day surrounded by our families and friends, but overshadowed by the fact we would have to say good-bye to each other yet again. I hope and pray for us and all the other couples like us that the day will come soon, when there will be no more heart wrenching good-byes, but welcome home my love, welcome home.

    Comment by John — May 23, 2009 @ 12:45 pm

41. More News!! HeadsUP!! May 26 is decision day for Calif Prop 8.

    Comment by Joe — May 23, 2009 @ 6:57 pm

42. The following is a wonderful audio interview with the Mayor of San Angelo, TX; he fell in love with a college student who he then found out was here illegally –though he had done all four years of high school in San Angelo and therefore had a right –by state law– to attend Angelo State College.

    They met in March –well after he had already filed for office in November. Just before being sworn in as mayor –after an 89% win– he found that regardless of his lover doing four years of high school and a year of college in San Angelo: he was still illegal. The mayor did not want to give up the human side of his life “his humanity” and consequently refused to be sworn in –or resigned the day after– after finding out about the illegal status.

    Since the mayor’s mother was a Mexican citizen, the mayor had the privilege of dual citizenship and decided to follow his lover back to Mexico where both were legal –rather than be mayor and harbor an illegal alien.

    In most cases a man’s job and image (doctor, lawyer, bishop) is more important than a relationship: but, sometimes not; this will be interesting to follow to see if a 19 year old has the maturity to counterbalance –over many years– the loss of image of his partner –one of America’s most popular mayors for the last 6 years.

    http://www.gosanangelo.com/videos/detail/jw-lown-mayor-resignation-conference-call-a/

    Comment by M. Neto — May 24, 2009 @ 10:00 am

43. I hope that this UAFA is not going to be something similar to the HIV ban. That’s it! The US is famous for SAYING (but do not ACT AS IF) that they fight for the freedom of the planet, and judge themselves as saviors of a discriminatory and injust world… I wish they did what they say they do! Anyways, I hope that this bill passes, but I hope that it is not just a fake law like the HIV one… Celebration only comes whenever it is a true and effective law… Bills to protect minorities in the US is just lies of this country to pretend that they do things fair. If they are created, they are not in effect. If they are in effect, there is no punishment if someone disrespects it, adn then it goes. Dont come to me and say that it is the first attempt of creating a law to protect our families and that we should be happy! c’mon! It is just like giving candy to a disabled kid that cannot unwrap the candy and eat it!! Wow! He got the candy though….yeah…yeah…woohoo… I am just celebrating the pass of a bill whenever it becomes a truly effective law. I dont want to celebrate something incomplete even after approval! I can tell about the HIV ban! I celebrated that the bill has passed, so what now? will UAFA have the same fate should it passes?

    Comment by Mike — May 24, 2009 @ 10:40 am

44. UAFA Hearing Link‏: http://oblogdeeoblogda.wordpress.com/uafa-hearings/

    Comment by Rick — May 24, 2009 @ 2:09 pm

45. Does the end of DOMA mean we can bring our partners to the USA?

    Comment by Brian — May 24, 2009 @ 7:27 pm

46. @Brian. Maybe — if USCIS adopts a new agency policy.

    Comment by Rick — May 24, 2009 @ 7:50 pm

47. If this does pass, would we need to file for a K-1 or could we get married in a gay-marriage friendly country and get a K-3? Any ideas on how that rule will be handled?

    Comment by mark — May 24, 2009 @ 9:51 pm

48. This is amazing news! Really amazing! BUT — please be inclusive — it’s important that the discussion with Leahy address families in the United States full stop–including foreign nationals like students and those whose temporary work brings them to the United States but whose marriages from other countries are not recognized. It’s time to unite FAMILIES. Period. This would be an ugly moment to be nationalists. THANK YOU.

    Comment by Vee — May 24, 2009 @ 10:01 pm

49. God, but this is inspiring… and I’m nervous as heck! Just a hearing doesn’t mean it will pass – but still… A HEARING!!!!!

    THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU, everyone!

    (and may God bless us, Everyone!)
    If you haven’t already, please tell your story at http://UnitingAmericanFamilies.net .

    Comment by David — May 24, 2009 @ 10:42 pm

50. Thank you IE and to everyone who helped make this happen! I have a question…can the public participate in these hearings? If so, I will make sure I’m there to tell my story, and my mom would also like to speak. I want to do everything I can to help!

    Comment by Lisa — May 25, 2009 @ 7:54 am

51. Thank you to IE and all! Thank you to Mr. Lahey and co-sponsors!!!

    “NOTICE OF COMMITTEE HEARING
    The Senate Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled a hearing on “The Uniting American Families Act: Addressing Inequality in Federal Immigration Law” for Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in Room 226 of the Senate Dirksen Office Building.

    By order of the Chairman ”

    watch the hearing live:
    http://judiciary.senate.gov/hearings/hearing.cfm?id=3876

    We need this hearing to be positive for UAFA to pass, our future depend on this.
    good luck everyone

    Comment by Osman — May 25, 2009 @ 10:36 am

52. It seems to me that the Human Rights Campaign totally ignores the UAFA! The June 3rd UAFA hearing is truly historic – the first one ever in 8 years! – and there is not even a brief mention of it anywhere on the HRC’s website! HRC also never mentioned or commented on the inclusion of UAFA into the language of the legislation for the upcoming general immigration reform. This was also a truly historic event in itself – but there was total silence on it from the HRC! Shameful! Does the staff at Immigration Equality ever talk to any of the HRC’s leaders? Why is there such an in-your-face lack of interest in UAFA at HRC? Stunning!

    Comment by Dmitri — May 25, 2009 @ 11:09 am

53. Things are looking really good for CIR: http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/immigration-reform-could-emerge-again-in-the-fall-2009-05-25.html

    Comment by Rick — May 25, 2009 @ 2:07 pm

54. Firstly, as an open lesbian, in my work, my family life, everywhere, I must say that I never knew of the UAFA , until a few months ago. Hopefully, this will also give other people who are not familiar with your cause, an opportunity to get familiarised with your organisation.
    I live in upstate New York, I am 46 years old, I have two children 17 and 15 and I am also legally “married” in the UK to my partner there.
    I have done everything legal to gain a residence permit in the UK. This development was costly, but it was the only way we could be together. My children come over frequently, but of course, I do have to spend time away from them.
    It does not seem right that because I fell in love, and because of my sexual orientation, I have to choose between living away from my children, or my partner, when we should be able to live as a family together..
    Now, imagine, trying to build a life, a business, a family, between flying back and forth from NY to the UK….Not to mention the added burden of the extra expense to maintain this lifestyle.
    I would like to add that in the UK, marriage between same sex couples is called a civil union… Maybe, that’s the stigma we need to hurdle here in the USA, maybe the “marriage” word is scaring the politicians and those who reside in the bible belt.
    I am now in NY, while my partner is in the UK, I have been here for a month and it has been heart wrenching having to live apart..
    In the UK, a tiny postage stamp size country, I am recognised as a married partner, to everyone…..Then I come home, to my own country, and suddenly I am not married anymore (well at least within the legal system).
    It blows my mind that we, as a great country are not demonstrating equal rights..
    If I could legally marry my partner here, my situation is one of immigration also and this makes our story sadly similar to the thousands of others in America. .
    Kudos’s to UAFA , Senator Leahy and everyone fighting for UAFA, for your determination and hard work. This gives us hope!
    I am sure people all across this country are thankful for your presence.

    Comment by Laila — May 25, 2009 @ 2:17 pm

55. Thank you all, so much, for your words of support (and encouragement). All of us at Immigration Equality are enormously excited about the upcoming hearing . . . and we’ll have even more exciting developments to report to you soon, including links where you will be able to watch the hearing online and news on what to expect as we get closer to June 3rd.

    This is a very important moment in the campaign to pass UAFA. As the team has pointed out, the Senate rarely considers a bill until a hearing has been held, so this step is absolutely critical to moving UAFA closer to passage. It’s an opportunity to educate Congress and the public about the bill, and to ensure that, as the President and Congress begin debate on comprehensive immigration reform, our families and relationships are part of that discussion too.

    This hearing is the result of so many of you who have reached out to your representatives, told your own stories and kept the issue alive. We truly couldn’t have reached this moment without your efforts. You are making a very real difference on Capitol Hill!

    And, stay tuned here for more hearing news, coming soon . . .

    - Steve @ Immigration Equality

    Comment by sralls — May 25, 2009 @ 3:34 pm

56. Besides writing and calling the senators and representatives, how can we make the hearing more fruitful?

    Comment by Mike — May 25, 2009 @ 5:27 pm

57. Hey guys, just one more favor from everyone of you to send the following sample letter prepared by one of our blogger here to Secretary Sebelius, of HHS. Just one more step and get our jobs done on HIV Ban..

    Address:
    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
    200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
    Washington, D.C. 20201
    Telephone: 202-619-0257
    Toll Free: 1-877-696-6775

    SAMPLE LETTER:
    ==============
    Dear Secretary Ms. Kathleen Sebelius,

    I write this letter to request your help in facilitating and expediting the proposed regulation to remove HIV from the list of communicable diseases of public health significance to finally end the HIV travel ban.

    For thousand of us who are dramatically affected by this archaic and useless ban, each day it passes with the ban still in place is one more day away from our love ones, one more day in which we see our professional careers, our dreams and our future vanished in front of our eyes.

    I can not emphasizes enough how critical and time sensitive is for thousands of us that this ban gets lifted as soon as possible. For this reason I urge you to please do whatever is in your power to expedite this process so that we can see this ban lifted immediately.

    I understand that there are hundreds of other issues that your department has to deal with and that affect the life of many people and that are also very critical. For this reason I really appreciate the commitment and consideration that you have already shown for this matter. Don’t forget that the life and future of thousands of people depends of this ban being lifted.

    Sincerely,

    Comment by Kim — May 25, 2009 @ 8:57 pm

58. Thank you Kim, This is very helpful. It’s very unfair for HIV+ people have to get punish because of this stupid law. We need to end the HIV ban once and for all. I am sending the letter out today and hope you all take a minute to do the same.

    Comment by Queen12 — May 26, 2009 @ 8:46 am

59. Is this open for public?? I should go. Let’s gather all voices.

    Comment by Ken — May 26, 2009 @ 8:56 am

60. To Laila, I am also in the same situation as yourself with me being in the UK and my artner in the US. we also have two children 16 and 18, we’re just besides ourself with having to stay apart from one another and the kids missing out. Only being able to grab a couple of weeks although more than a lot of people get chance to see each other. my partner can’t come live here as he owns his own business along with his family. No one knows what you go through unless you go through it yourself! I know there are other couples out there like us but there are those couples like yourself that never knew anything about the UAFA…it’s these couples along with many others we have to get intouch with. Tell everyone you know about the UAFA…and keep telling them till you bore the pants off of them!!! I am fed up to the back teeth because I’ve lost everything twice! everything here in the UK when I went to the US and then everything there in the US when I had to come back here and start all over again. Being homeless sucks big time!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRPgBCnLLRk
    I keep putting my video link on here to get the message to as many people as possible.

    Comment by kev uk — May 26, 2009 @ 10:28 am

61. Screw you, California!

    At least things are still moving ahead at the federal level -

    http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_us_diplomacy_clinton

    Benefits for same-sex partners of diplomats.

    For the love of dog, what does it take to make change in the self-proclaimed “most modern of all countries”?

    Comment by PP — May 26, 2009 @ 1:16 pm

62. P.S. the Federal level is the ONLY level that matters.

    Comment by PP — May 26, 2009 @ 1:16 pm

63. I’ve written every member of judiciary committee, even republicans, the president, my senators (already co-sponsors) and my rep., sharing my story. Waiting instructions on what we can do next? As Kev says it’s easiest to understand this situation when you’re living it. I live in US and my partner in Caribbean. We’ve been a couple for over 4 years, and only saw each other 1 week this year. I see gay diplomats are getting rights, I am hoping this is a positive sign for us? Thanks to all!

    Comment by bkbzipper — May 26, 2009 @ 2:04 pm

64. Some more media coverage of the UAFA.
    http://www.alternet.org/immigration/140255/same-sex_marriage_meets_the_immigration_debate/

    Comment by nola — May 26, 2009 @ 3:02 pm

65. I am a UK citizen who fully support UAFA! Can you advise if there is any actions I can take to help support this much needed bill?

    Thanks to everyone who has helped make this progress happen!

    Comment by Kathleen — May 26, 2009 @ 3:08 pm

66. Hey guys I just read this article on yahoo today:
    WASHINGTON – Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will soon announce that gay American diplomats will be given benefits similar to those that their heterosexual counterparts enjoy, U.S. officials said Saturday.

    In a notice to be sent soon to State Department employees, Clinton says regulations that denied same-sex couples and their families the same rights and privileges that straight diplomats enjoyed are “unfair and must end,” as they harm U.S. diplomacy.

    “Providing training, medical care and other benefits to domestic partners promote the cohesiveness, safety and effectiveness of our posts abroad,” she says in the message, a copy of which was obtained by The Associated Press.

    “It will also help the department attract and retain personnel in a competitive environment where domestic partner benefits and allowances are increasingly the norm for world-class employers,” she says.

    “At bottom, the department will provide these benefits for both opposite-sex and same-sex domestic partners because it is the right thing to do,” Clinton says.

    Among the benefits that will now be granted gay diplomats: the right of domestic partners to hold diplomatic passports, government-paid travel for their partners and families to and from foreign posts, and the use of U.S. medical facilities abroad.

    In addition, gay diplomats’ families will now be eligible for U.S. government emergency evacuations and training courses at the Foreign Service Institute, the message says.

    The announcement, expected this week, was provided to the AP by a State Department official who is a member of the Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies organization. Two department officials not affiliated with the organization confirmed its accuracy.

    The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the changes.

    Previously, the State Department had withheld some benefits from the families of gay diplomats, citing the Defense of Marriage Law, which had restricted federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

    One former ambassador, Michael Guest, resigned from the foreign service in 2007 to protest the restrictions. Guest was a part of the Obama administration’s State Department transition team and played a major role in lobbying for the changes.

    Clinton told members of Congress last week that she would soon announce the revisions.

    Comment by Jay — May 26, 2009 @ 5:45 pm

67. Can someone who knows also explain what happens after this hearing? Does a committee vote on whether it goes to the Floor or something?

    Comment by T — May 27, 2009 @ 3:00 am

68. I agree with T can someone exsplain how long this process takes and more details about it. I think we are all new at this and just want to be able to follow it.

    Comment by concerned citizen — May 27, 2009 @ 7:42 am

69. I know that this is such a big step, but I wish that things would speed up even faster.

    I fell in love, and determined to spend the rest of my life with this person. But this “wait-and-see” approach for US immigration…and financial costs and qualification problems with Canadian immigration, we are suddenly finding ourselves very exhausted and strained.

    I don’t know what will happen, and I don’t know what to think. I’m scared that things will only go downhill from here.

    We’ve been dating for only four months and it’s already been like this. I cannot imagine what all of you are going through after spending years together. My heart goes out to all of you and I hope that UAFA will pass soon.

    Comment by T — May 27, 2009 @ 9:21 am

70. 4 years for me… I’ve read some that have been much longer. wait and see is hard. Love is stronger. Hang-in T. Love just happens and it wants what it wants.

    Is IE doing any promotion for this hearing? And I’m eager for more instruction on how to help… who else should I call? Both my senators are co-sponsors.I haven’t received any email instructions and I am signed up, let me know if I’m missing something. We’re hopeful and scared about this at the same time.

    I imagine IE staff is busy working on this, and I just want to THANK YOU! and everyone…

    Comment by bkbzipper — May 27, 2009 @ 10:01 am

71. Eight years and four months (and counting) for me…

    Comment by Jude — May 27, 2009 @ 10:55 am

72. -Getting a hearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee is a big deal. The SJC is one of the most powerful in Washington. (the same com. that will be busy considering the SCJ nominee, shortly).

    -To get an idea what happens at one of these Hearings, this one was held a month ago to discuss CIR-

    http://judiciary.senate.gov/hearings/hearing.cfm?id=3793

    -This Hearing process is similar to giving a deposition or providing expert testimony. Basically laying the groundwork to not only get the Bill to the Floor – but (usually) to give it momentum and build some consensus and support. At the very least to have it on Public Record how a a piece of Legislation would modify the law and the implications of such.

    -Interestingly, this won’t be the first time UAFA has been plugged in Committee. Senator Leahy’s Quote in the CIR Hearing – God Bless this man! Hopefully everyone has flooded his emails w/ thanks. http://leahy.senate.gov/

    (BTW, this is the perfect pitch in a nutshell, to send to a Legislator and I would refer it’s context and of course the good Senator).

    “And when we consider the importance of family in our immigration system, we must respect all families. For example, it would be inequitable to move toward the legalization of millions of undocumented immigrants without also providing immigration benefits to the thousands of American citizens in same-sex relationships with foreign nationals who now feel abandoned by our laws. We cannot leave out hardworking American families simply because the partnership consists of people of the same gender. Our society is moving beyond these prejudices, and Federal policy must reflect this reality. America should join 19 of our closest allies around the world who provide these benefits. Immigration reform that leaves such inequality in place is in no way comprehensive. I hope that important legislation, like the Uniting American Families Act, which addresses this issue, is part of this critical immigration reform debate.”

    And his last paragraph-

    “The American people will look to us to forge a consensus for immigration reform that rejects the extreme ideology that has attended this issue and prevented real progress. Next week we will hear from Secretary Napolitano when the Judiciary Committee holds an oversight hearing of the Department of Homeland Security. I look forward to the discussion of immigration reform and I am hopeful that we can work together to find a sound, comprehensive solution. I welcome today’s hearing.”

    His wording is quite telling, IMHO – especially the part about the inequality of moving forward w/ CIR w/o inclusion of it’s own Citizens. (first?)

    -The SJC deals primarily w/ Law when it comes to Legislation, as the name of the hearing would indicate-
    “The Uniting American Families Act: Addressing Inequality in Federal Immigration Law”

    -Besides Senator Leahy, I’d assume Senator’s Schumer D-NY and perhaps Senator Wyden D-Oregon, will Provide testimony as they sit on the SJC and are co-sponsors. IE has been working their butts off for nearly a decade on this so I’m sure they are very well prepared and have some excellent testimony planned.

    -As far as a time table – that is difficult to gage. As the original announcement mentioned and Steve mentioned again in #55 above. Most serious Bills (that aren’t slam dunks), stand a much better chance of passage if they’ve had a Hearing(s).

    -As to the composition of the Committee there are 11 Dems (now w/ Specter defecting) & 7 Reps. Thankfully a consensus here is not needed. Nor is one vote from the minority side if it were to come to a ‘vote’ to get it to the floor. BTW. these GOP Senator’s ALL have a big 0% Ranking from HRC. Their leader Session’s is notoriously Anti-gay and of course amongst their ranks, lurks (one of) the dreaded, long time ‘closeted Republican Senator’ – just to spice things up. (in this case you can judge a book by it’s cover, if your not sure whom I’m referring;-)

    Sorry to say most of these Politician’s have built entire careers on exclusion and hatred – your not going to suddenly change their spots. Please don’t feed the animals or incite them to play Politics with this.

    Considering Senator Leahy Chairs the Committee and is the Bill’s Sponsor, one would imagine that he has a game plan going in. As mentioned, earlier it can be viewed online Live.

    ‘Open Congress’ is a good resource to track Bills and have your voice heard. Frankly, the numbers there for the House and Senate are paltry when compared to some other Legislation. We can do better than that – http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-s424/show

    Got to wrap up , but reading between the lines a bit – the timing of The Announcement’s release is very interesting as is the Scheduling of the Hearing and perhaps provide some indication of how they plan to move this forward in the best way possible.

    I hope some of this helped.

    Btw, I’m no expert – I just play one, in my mind.

    Comment by Rile2009 — May 27, 2009 @ 11:05 am

73. 4months for me too, but it feels like we’ve known each other for ages..
    I’m scared, dont want to leave him, and start all over again in UK.
    Just hoping that UAFA pass soon, so that our future becomes certain together..
    Please keep the good work going.
    Thank you IE, thank you all..
    God bless!

    Comment by Meern — May 27, 2009 @ 12:06 pm

74. Call me pessimistic, it seems that the Obama legislation has been coping with everything but gay rights (Well, not doing anything is a way to cope with it though). While the gay marriage debate has been a heated social issue, if not the hottest one, Obama is doing nothing and saying nothing about it. The politicians, left and right, after getting our votes, just treat us as non-citizens.

    I truly think that we must make our voice heard loud and clear. Don’t be used as a political move. We must make it a social uprising so that they cannot ignore us any more.

    Comment by Mike — May 27, 2009 @ 12:31 pm

75. It seems very coincidental that President Obama makes his Supreme Court announcement only hours before the California Supreme Court released it’s ruling. I would sure hate to think that the Obama administration did this on purpose to deflect some of the heat from the Prop 8 ruling. Could someone at Immigration Equality just give us a snippet on what goes on at a Congressional Hearing?
    Let’s get this Uniting American Families Act passed!

    Comment by SeaMex — May 27, 2009 @ 12:48 pm

76. i agree jude, obama did nothing for us, and i was huge suporter of his. shame on him.
    not that they treat us as second hand citizens but we are second hand citizen, we have no rights whatsoever. we are just good for paying taxes and and give our votez to them. the moment he picked warner to lead the prayer on inaguration is the moment he betrayed us.

    Comment by robert — May 27, 2009 @ 2:11 pm

77. From my points of view, I think Obama is much better than Bush. He will not veto the bill which are benefits to gay people. However, he won’t do it initially to help us. He also concern about the opposition from the right wings, religious, and conservative people.

    Comment by Clarence — May 27, 2009 @ 4:26 pm

78. If anything, it seems that Obama will avoid fighting for gay rights until his 2nd term, if he wins a re-election. It’s too risky for him to alienate those conservative minds.

    Comment by T — May 27, 2009 @ 6:44 pm

79. If you think you are being treated as a second hand citizen, imagine what an gay legal immigrant feels like…screwed by the employment based green card visa system and not having my marrage to my husband reconized for immigration benefits. I only found out about the UAFA from the Reverend who married us. I wish I had known about this before, I would have done more to support it. I pray that the UAFA gets included in the CIR and that CIR passes soon….

    Comment by NolaIndian — May 27, 2009 @ 7:19 pm

80. I think that the Sotomayor nomination is an indication that Obama has reservations that he is capable of pulling off Comprehensive Immigration Reform. He is baiting the Hispanic community with the Supreme Court nomination so that if CIR fails, he can still claim support for the Hispanic community with his Hispanic nomination/Supreme Court justice appointment when we runs for re-election. Further more, I hope that the Hispanic community is not distracted from the CIR because of Sotomayor’s nomination. If we don’t get immigration reform passed this year, we will have to wait until 2011 since 2010 is an election year. On the bright side, White House immigration talks begin June 8th.

    Comment by nola — May 27, 2009 @ 11:47 pm

81. Hi everyone, I came across an interesting article titled “To all the Young Gays and Lesbians upset about California and Gay Marriage…” that I found very interesting and that I wanted to share with you all, especially you nola
    It’s quite interesting.

    Comment by tisme — May 28, 2009 @ 4:25 am

82. oops! I forgot the link hehe. Here it is:

    Comment by tisme — May 28, 2009 @ 4:26 am

83. FYI: Out4immigration has a blog group on yahoo, the link to join is: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/out4immigration/

    This is a group of people who write letters and target various politicians to pass UAFA, check it out!

    I also am VERY DISAPPOINTED in the lack of leadership and support coming from the Obama administration on all LGBT issues! I am tired of living in a foreign country watching my life pass me by. The only thing our politicians understand is money and pressure. Since our money supply is limited, all we have is pressure so massive protesting is all we have if we could just get it started.

    DavidMixner.com is planning a march on Washington for Equality in November, check it out!

    Comment by InExile — May 28, 2009 @ 6:17 am

84. Hello! I was at the OBAMA protest last night and met Lt. Dan Choi and Hal Sparks, amongst others. I have great pix. One especially stands out ot Lt. Dan saluting Obama. Gorgeous! Also…When speaking to Hal Sparks, and I don’t know how reliable this is, he said that Obama has a HUGE speech planned for the Stonewall Anniversary about our rights? Does this sound right? Do you know anything about this?

    Comment by Brian — May 28, 2009 @ 6:44 am

85. Folks….David Boies and Ted Olson are not only on our side, but taking action: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2009/05/27/2009-05-27_theodore_olson_and_david_boies_lawyers_on_opposing_sides_of_bush_v_gore_teams_up.html
    Do You feel that wind in our back??

    Comment by Joe — May 28, 2009 @ 7:45 am

86. Is the march for Equality on November 27 (The day Harvey Milk was shot)?
    btw, last week was Milk’s birthday (5/22).
    With the movie and talks about Milk’s life and pursuits, I am very sad that after 30 years, our rights are still being ignored. I think we are too closeted. With the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and all the stuffs they have done in the 90s, we are all too afraid to fight for our rights. Just coming out to friends and families is not enough. We must change our views and attitude so that the society, the government, and the public, will really have to listen and do something.
    I am sick of just emailing,sending letters, and making phone calls, it’s all political games for them. Look, we have the democrats as the majority and the republicans scrambling, but the democrats are just trying to maintain the majority. It will be a miracle if Obama make it happen in the end of his second term. He seems to be doing everything to make sure that he will be re-elected. I have a gut feeling is that UAFA will not be passed in the coming few years, at least not at the very end of Obama’s second term (but by then, we may not have the majority in the House and Senate any more…)
    We must stop being used by the politicians, but we must use them and pressure them instead.

    Comment by Mike — May 28, 2009 @ 9:51 am

87. change.org is going to do a small article and pix from the Obama rally yesterday…keep an eye out for it on the gay rights section

    Comment by Brian — May 28, 2009 @ 9:54 am

88. Brian -

    How would Hal Sparks know what Obama is going to speak about? I guess, what I’m asking, is how reliable is this “HUGE speach” rumour…?

    Obama protest? What were you protesting?

    Comment by PP — May 28, 2009 @ 10:01 am

89. Everyone please contact your representatives–many potential supporters don’t seem to even know about UAFA! Senator Levin replied to my letter that he believed UAFA was only in the House, and Senator Stabenow replied, two months after I contacted her, with a general support for equal rights but didn’t mention UAFA at all.

    Comment by Jon — May 28, 2009 @ 10:44 am

90. I contacted my Senator, Senator Vitter, and received a reply from him. His response: “I believe the definition in this legislation is vague in many aspects and could create serious and divisive legal issues. I also fear this bill would further complicate our already flawed immigration system.”

    Comment by nola — May 28, 2009 @ 10:54 am

91. IE and company will have their work cut out for them but hopefully they can sway a few senators, especially sceptical Democrats. The witness list which will include separated couples will be published this week still, I think.

    Comment by Tim — May 28, 2009 @ 11:24 am

92. [...] Equality, an organization committed to ending discrimination in immigration law, said the following: The June 3rd hearing will not only be a milestone on our path to victory in Washington, but it [...]

    Pingback by Senate to hold first ever hearing on anti-gay policies in immigration law | Family Fairness — May 28, 2009 @ 1:36 pm

93. It is absolutely shocking for me to see how legislators are quick to find flaw in a bill, however; they do not even address the great deal of good that it would do, or even comment on the UNFAIRNESS that this bill intends to mend. While the trick regarding laws is about twiking them to not let any loopholes exist; the ultimate point should be that we have a DISCRIMINATORY system put into place because of flawed,antiquated laws. It’s like a sick vicious cycle. As a humanist, I believe that the so- called “greater good” is that that leaves less people unprotected or unfairly treated; but then again, it is a mater of ideology and view point. To see that my partner and I are pretty much model citizens: contributing HIGH taxes both Federally and state; are educated and enterprising, cooperate with out community…yet, we are denied our right to be happy. This country is a paradox in many ways; but I will always believe in the principles that make America the leading nation in the world.

    Comment by Harrison — May 28, 2009 @ 2:00 pm

94. Like many others, I’ll be glued to my computer screen and watching the results, regardless of my broadband cap! (In South Africa, you can only get broadband if you use it like a prepaid mobile).
    I’m too scared to hope, but when all else is left, what do you have? Faith, hope and love.

    Comment by Chocolateseduced — May 28, 2009 @ 2:11 pm

95. Just seen that the June 3rd UAFA hearing now has a good write-up on the HRC website: http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2009/05/senate-judiciary-committee-to-hold-first-hearing-on-the-uniting-american-families-act-next-wednesday/

    Comment by Jude — May 28, 2009 @ 4:08 pm

96. This is an email I received from the “cheater” Senator David Vitter.

    Thank you for contacting me in support of the Uniting American Families Act. I appreciate hearing from you on this issue.
    As you may know, the Uniting Families Act would apply the same standards to same-sex couples that our laws apply to opposite-sex couples where one member is seeking to bring a permanent partner into the country. I believe the definition in this legislation is vague in many aspects and could create serious and divisive legal issues. I also fear this bill would further complicate our already flawed immigration system.
    While we may not agree on this legislation, I will keep your views in mind as I work to improve our security and reform our immigration system. Once again, thank you for contacting me to share your thoughts on this issue. Please feel free to contact me in the future about other issues important to you.

    Sincerely,

    Senator David Vitter
    United States Senator

    P.S. Please visit my website to sign up for E-Updates and receive regular email updates from me on the issues important to Louisiana families.

    Comment by weiwei — May 28, 2009 @ 6:55 pm

97. I wish Ted Olson and David Boies are invited and will be present in the hearing. They present such a solid argument for anti-discrimination. They exude conviction if not passion!!

    Comment by Joe — May 28, 2009 @ 9:14 pm

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