One of the fundamental principles of U.S. immigration law and policy is the notion of family unification, which allows citizens and legal permanent residents to sponsor their spouses (and other family members) for immigration purposes. Unfortunately, under current federal law, same-sex couples committed to spending their lives together are not recognized as "families."
Every year, thousands of same-sex couples are separated or live in constant fear of being stopped by officials who demand to see documentation and threaten detention. In some cases, same-sex partners face prosecution by the Immigration and Naturalization Service - including hefty fines and deportations. U.S. citizens are sometimes left with no other choice but to immigrate with their partners to a country with more fair-minded immigration laws.
The Uniting American Families Act would apply the same standards to same-sex couples that the United States applies to opposite-sex couples where one member is seeking to bring a foreign partner into the country. As with current immigration laws for married couples, the UAFA would impose harsh penalties for fraud, including up to five years in prison and as much as $250,000 in fines. In addition, if the partnership is dissolved in less than two years, the legal immigrant status of the partner would be revoked.
The Uniting American Families Act is not special treatment. It's fair treatment.
Your support of this legislation is vital if America's immigration policies are going to reflect our fundamental commitment to family values and equality for all.
What do you think?
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And what was that all about?
Ben Affleck talked to Chris Mathew about politics last night on Hardball! Is this the beginning of the end of America? For 45 minutes we nearly died - watching them talking politics. Too light weight for our taste. Do you think that the news find that newsy? No. What is newsy? Paris Hilton - the super rich kid is back in jail for breaking laws. That's a good news.
I think Chris Mathew was sucking up to Affleck to get tickets to the best Hollywood parties.
Every year, thousands of same-sex couples are separated or live in constant fear of being stopped by officials who demand to see documentation and threaten detention. In some cases, same-sex partners face prosecution by the Immigration and Naturalization Service - including hefty fines and deportations. U.S. citizens are sometimes left with no other choice but to immigrate with their partners to a country with more fair-minded immigration laws.
The Uniting American Families Act would apply the same standards to same-sex couples that the United States applies to opposite-sex couples where one member is seeking to bring a foreign partner into the country. As with current immigration laws for married couples, the UAFA would impose harsh penalties for fraud, including up to five years in prison and as much as $250,000 in fines. In addition, if the partnership is dissolved in less than two years, the legal immigrant status of the partner would be revoked.
The Uniting American Families Act is not special treatment. It's fair treatment.
Your support of this legislation is vital if America's immigration policies are going to reflect our fundamental commitment to family values and equality for all.
What do you think?
********************************************
And what was that all about?
Ben Affleck talked to Chris Mathew about politics last night on Hardball! Is this the beginning of the end of America? For 45 minutes we nearly died - watching them talking politics. Too light weight for our taste. Do you think that the news find that newsy? No. What is newsy? Paris Hilton - the super rich kid is back in jail for breaking laws. That's a good news.
I think Chris Mathew was sucking up to Affleck to get tickets to the best Hollywood parties.