Earlier today “Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) has formally offered an amendment that would provide equal treatment for same-sex couples under immigration law, a proposal that’s likely to spark a heated debate.
Leahy’s amendment would allow gay and lesbian American citizens who are in a “long-term committed relationship” to sponsor their foreign partners for a green card, according to his office. Heterosexual couples can do so under current law, but a provision for same-sex couples was left out of the bipartisan “Gang of Eight” immigration bill.”
According to the Gang of Eight, their main reason for skirting the bi-national couple issue is that they believed its inclusion would prevent the bill from being passed by the Senate. While this is a valid fear and compromise is key for any type of immigration reform to pass, it is a shallow fear that does not give a voice to the thousands of brave LGBT immigrants and their families who endure so many unnecessary hardships simply because of who they love. For once I wish politicians would take a chance on the road less traveled to create a more equal future rather than appeasing the narrow platform on which they were elected.
“Leahy’s amendment has long been expected, but it could be one of the most controversial proposals to be debated this week, when the judiciary committee will “mark up” the bill with amendments.”
Link to article: http://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/Politics/leahy-offers-amendment-include-gay-couples-immigration-bill/story?id=19128457#.UYmji-g8wkM
queerimmigration.wordpress.com 