By Stephanie Rodriguez, Policy Intern
The Congressional Lame Duck session has become more active than ever before with important legislation hopefully going up for votes after the Thanksgiving recess. Recently Senator Robert Menendez met with President Obama to discuss his version of Comprehensive Immigration Reform and the possibility of it passing as legislation. One of the key fixtures added to CIR has been the Uniting American Families Act which gives LGBTQ couples a chance at obtaining the same rights as same sex couples when it comes to immigration.
According to the 2000 census, over 36,000 binational couples have been estimated to live in the US without possibility of reunification. That is 36,000 families that have been separated. Binational couples are forced to decide between living together or living in their country of residence. It is an unfair circumstance where the request for sponsorship is denied based on subjective norms of what a family is supposed to look like.
“If UAFA passes it would be the first time that LGBT families would be recognized on a federal level” said Steve Rall, spokesperson for Immigration Equality.
This would be a cornerstone not only for immigration rights activist but also for the entire LGBT community which will get some form of recognition. It would hopefully put into question the Defense of Marriage Act, which stipulates that marriage is between a man and woman. Senator Menendez is pushing for Bipartisan support of CIR, a fully inclusive form of immigration reform.
National Latina Institute has endorsed UAFA alongside hundreds of other national organizations, corporations, and city councils that see the importance of the LGBT inherent right to the same standards of as other American Families.
We’ve been pushing all year for these immigration reform bills, like UAFA and DREAM. It’s been devastating watching them get deferred each time. It is vital that these issues are passed before Congressional leadership changes hands in January. It will give us a chance to show the power of coalition building among marginalized groups. Make sure your voice is heard and contact your representatives.
By Stephanie Rodriguez, Policy Intern
http://latinainstitute.wordpress.com/2010/07/29/where-do-the-lgbt-and-immigrant-rights-movements-intersect/