LGBT activists jump into immigration fray, seeking same-sex partner protections, rights

NBC News ^ | April 7, 2013 | Carrie Dann

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(Snip)

As pro-reform interest groups prepare to fight for their specific priorities in pending immigration reform legislation, LGBT activists aren’t standing on the sidelines.

“There is a shared struggle among the immigrant and the LGBT communities,” said Steve Ralls of Immigration Equality, an organization that offers legal aid to LGBT immigrants. “There is a growing recognition that if we can get fair immigration reform through Congress we can work on a lot of issues together moving forward.”

Gay rights activists say there are several fronts in the immigration fight -- from specific provisions for gay Americans and permanent residents seeking to bring a non-citizen partner to the country, to protections for undocumented LGBT individuals, to a broader call for equal rights.

“We’re investing in immigration reform because it is a social justice issue and we have a responsibility to advocate for the kind of world we want to live in,” said Maya Rupert, policy director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “But beyond that, there are LGBT people who are going to be directly impacted by every provision in the ultimate legislation, so we have to make sure that it’s being done in a way that is inclusive and conscious of their needs.”

That means both legal and undocumented immigrants, Rupert said.

(Snip)

For documented LGBT immigrants, a key provision that activists have focused on is the inclusion of legislation called the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) in a final comprehensive reform bill.

Currently, a U.S. citizen or permanent legal resident can petition for a visa for a foreign-born spouse -- but only if the spouse is of the opposite sex. That applies even if the same-sex couple is legally married in another country or in a U.S. state that recognizes gay marriage.

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UAFA would make same-sex spouses or permanent partners of U.S. citizens eligible to petition for a family-based visa.

(If the Supreme Court finds the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional this summer, same-sex binational married couples will likely be able to apply for visas based on their relationship, regardless of where they reside.)

The article goes on to say that the White House is supporting immigration for same sex partners.

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Why stop at just one partner, though? If a man has four wives, wouldn't it be separating the family if three get left behind? What about a if a family is in a polyamorous relationship? Should 1 or 2 or 3 partners get left behind? It just doesn't stop.

[Viennacon]

Exactly. Especially considering there are MANY such relationships in the Middle East. Those Muslims would love to come to America, so we’d better let them bring their wives, as well as all the bombs they’ll hide in their burkas!

[CaspersGh0sts]

we have a responsibility to advocate for the kind of world we want to live in,”

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words..

[KTM rider]

are they going to start letting unwanted unborn humans in now ?

or is state sanctioned murder still the penalty for trying to cross the border of the womb

[2ndDivisionVet]

Okay, then will we be able to bring in multiple wives from overseas?

[JCBreckenridge]

Yeah, imagine that.

I see the State has no role in marriage. What was that, Vichy Conservatives? I warned you!

[Jeff Chandler]

I’m living in bizarro world.

[sickoflibs]

RE :”Gay rights activists say there are several fronts in the immigration fight — from specific provisions for gay Americans and permanent residents seeking to bring a non-citizen partner to the country, to protections for undocumented LGBT individuals, to a broader call for equal rights.
“We’re investing in immigration reform because it is a social justice issue and we have a responsibility to advocate for the kind of world we want to live in,” said Maya Rupert, policy director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “But beyond that, there are LGBT people who are going to be directly impacted by every provision in the ultimate legislation, so we have to make sure that it’s being done in a way that is inclusive and conscious of their needs.”
That means both legal and undocumented immigrants, Rupert said. “

I guess the new softer kinder GOP will be courting gay illegals next.

'They are natural conservatives'