Archive for the ‘US Immigration Woes’ Category

A Rethiglian blog got it wrong again and they senor

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

Once again a republican or tea party blog not only got the story wrong about the uniting American families act, but they senor there blog so you can’t get the real true story out to them.

This is what they said.
“”We’ve had the “Uniting American Families Act” that doesn’t unite American families but unites families of illegal immigrants””

Any one that knows what the real story of this bill is they would know that it has nothing to do with illegal immigration but make it legal so gay couples in a real relationship (bi-national relationships) to be able to sponsor there husband, wife, or partner into the country just like straight couples do, nothing special just equal rights for everyone, this is American right? Equal is equal. The key word here is to be able to sponsor, sponsor that means legal. By the way this would unite my family and thousands of other American families, I’m legally married in Canada and 22 other countries see it as a legal family. Why not this country and that’s an easy answer, it’s the rethuglicans that have nothing to offer but hate, it’s the church that doesn’t even pay tax’s breeding their own hate toward gay people.

Here is a link to the blogs page and after you read the story sit back and think, this is how the rethuglicans and tea party think.
http://obamaisnotmypresident.com/blog/?p=3148

If you want the true story about the Uniting American families act got to
http://www.usimmigrationwoes.com/

INS, CSI, Home land, State Department

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

Ins or Csi, Homeland security, and the State department

This is a pure rant but it’s a real story. For years I have been sending the white house a letter with my marriage license, a letter from the car insurance company, a car title in his name, asking that I want to sponsor him into the country since he is now married to a US citizen and has legal rights here, and it’s a legal marriage license in Canada and now 22 or 23 other countries. Well I finally got a letter back but not from the white house but CSI the new INS with a case number.
If you ever called there help line it’s a night mare with endless sub menus. When you finally get throw to someone like I did 30 minutes later the person couldn’t find the case number that was given me in the letter and when you ask to speak to someone else you get hung up on. After three times I made an appointment to go see them, By the way you have to go online to do this.
What a joke CSI or INS is what a totally waste of a government agency! Now you filled out a form on line, you explained why you where there to the person that give you a number like DMV and then you have to fill out another form to give the waste of a person behind the counter; yes you are seen like DMV you don’t even get called into an office. Once again you have to explain why you are there, in my cases I asked to sponsor my husband, to have a 214B lifter and to complain about a vic counsel. Have you ever gotten a dumb look from someone, well I got one. I gave this person what a waste of a pay check the letter with the case number and herd I can’t find it????????????????? Well she got a dumb look. She said I should fill out the form I-30 to sponsor my wife and I said no he is my husband and I said it so loud everyone could hear it. Once again I got fill out form I-30, I asked even with the defensive marriage act section 3 I can do it, and I got fill out the form i-30?????????????? I then asked about the 214B and was told you have to go to homeland security, and the State department. I asked this is Immigrations right? And the answer was yes but we don’t do visa’s at this office I asked for a supervisor and was told no?????????????? I played out the trump card as loud as I can I said” I am an American citizen you are a federal employee, and I am demanding to speak to a supervisor, I am not a foreigner. I want you to know that everyone within 25 feet of me herd this. Well after waiting 5 minutes not only did I get one supervisor but two and once again I had to explain why I was there. I was told once again about the i-30 and once again I explained I was married to a male, husband and once again I got i-30, I asked help filling out the form and got we can’t because we have to review it, but there web site says we will help you fill it out. Ok ok, so then once again I asked about the 214B and once again I got you need to talk to Homeland security, and the state department. I asked ok where are they I was told we don’t know?????????????????????? Could you find out, no that was the answer you have to do your own research. I said you are a government agency I want the phone numbers and address; you have to do the research. At that time I picked up all my paper work and that form they ask you to fill out how they did, I ripped it up and left it there.
Off to my senator and they couldn’t really find out where Home land was but they did give me a phone number. I talked to an officer and said we have nothing to do with visa’s you need the state department. Called the state department and it was the same nightmare as with INS, 400 sub menus and tock 30 minutes to finally get to a person and that person hardly could speak English, call back and go throw the whole thing to finally get an answer.
God the system is so broken! Thanks Bush for breaking a system that was all ready broken and you made it worst!
So I never got an answer what the case number is, once again I have to fax the white house for help and my Senators and congressman.

what is wrong with this country! I know

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

it’s the republican part, the tea party and the church! Why is it that a month or two ago Iceland started gay marriage and now Argentina has gay marriage! What is this country going to be the last on the planet! I’m so pissed off I’m spitting nails!
marriage in historic vote
Thu Jul 15, 10:54 AM
By Michael Warren, The Associated Press
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – Argentina legalized same-sex marriage Thursday, becoming the first country in Latin America to declare that gays and lesbians have all the legal rights, responsibilities and protections that marriage brings to heterosexual couples.
After a marathon debate in Argentina’s senate, 33 lawmakers voted in favour, 27 against and 3 abstained in a vote that ended after 4 a.m. Since the lower house already approved it and President Cristina Fernandez is a strong supporter, it becomes law as soon as it is published in the official bulletin, which should happen within days.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/capress/100715/world/lt_argentina_gay_marriage

Obama’s Immigration Speech

Wednesday, June 30th, 2010

Obama’s Immigration Speech

President Barack Obama is set to deliver a major speech about immigration policy this coming Thursday, July 1st, at 10:30 AM from the campus of American University in Washington, DC.

The President will re-affirm his commitment to immigration reform in the wake of Arizona’s racial profiling laws and ask Congress to finish the work it started on comprehensive immigration reform before key players backed away from the table. The momentum we’ve been building is finally paying off with a strong commitment from the President that immigration reform is a priority for him and his Administration.

We’ll be liveblogging the speech below when it starts, but in the mean time let us know in the comments section what you’d like to hear from our President!

Leave a comment and tell him what we need!

Obama’s Immigration Speech

State of California Endorses

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010

State of California Formally Endorses Immigration Rights for Same-Sex Couples

Published on Jun 29, 2010 – 6:43:26 AM
By: Equality California

SACRAMENTO, June 28, 2010 – Today the State Senate passed a resolution with a 23-12 vote that included bipartisan support, endorsing a federal law that would permit U.S. citizens and permanent residents to sponsor a same-sex partner for immigration. The resolution, AJR 15, introduced by Assembly Member Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and co-sponsored by Equality California and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), formally requests that the United States Congress pass and President Obama sign the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).

“Our broken immigration system unfairly discriminates against thousands of families headed by same-sex couples by keeping them apart,” said Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California. “It is in the hands of Congress and President Obama to end this grave injustice. We call on them to pass and sign into law the Uniting American Families Act, thus ensuring that all families, regardless of sexual orientation, enjoy the security and stability that all families deserve.”

Under current federal law, U.S. citizens and permanent residents can file visa petitions on behalf of an opposite-sex spouse. The UAFA, introduced by U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), would amend the nation’s Immigration and Nationality Act by adding same-sex “permanent partners” to the list of family members for whom a U.S. citizen or permanent resident can petition. The bill defines a “permanent partner” as an adult who is in a committed, intimate, financially interdependent relationship with another adult in “which both parties intend a lifelong commitment.”

“Thousands of American families and committed same-sex couples are denied basic rights and legal protections, including the ability to petition for a partner to immigrate to the U.S.,” said Assemblymember De León. “They live in legal limbo and are torn apart by outdated immigration policies. In ensuring a true state of equality, Congress must take immediate steps to reunite and protect all families once and for all.”

According to the U.S. Census, approximately 35,000 bi-national same-sex couples currently live in the United States. At least 16 other nations already have immigration policies allowing the sponsorship of same-sex partners, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

There are currently 115 co-sponsors of the UAFA in the U.S. House of Representatives and 21 co-sponsors in the U.S. Senate. Endorsed by the State Assembly in September of last year, the resolution now awaits a procedural concurrent vote in the Assembly.

For more information about EQCA’s legislation, visit www.eqca.org/legislation.

State of California Formally Endorses Immigration Rights for Same-Sex Couples

Ask for help today!

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

Gay couple gets a boost in winning bid to reunite
Story listed below
For over 5 years I have been asking my senator at the time Hilary Clinton and now Gillibrand for help in getting my husband into the country and for years I have been told that nothing can be done. I’ve also asked Congressman Peter King for help but like always his office doesn’t answer.
It’s just strange that Senator John Kerry made a few phone calls and got a bi-national couple a visa? Last Sunday June 6 2010 I faxed everyone that is listed in the story that Kerry talked to, and yesterday I went to Senator Schumer’s office and Gellibrand’s office and state leg. Sweeny office asking for the same that this gay couple got along with that I DROPED OFF THE SAME LETTERS TO Newsday the Local paper on Long Island and Queens.
I feel that everyone in a Bi-national relationship do the same thing, call your Senator and congressman and ask for a visa!

Gay couple get a boost in winning bid to reunite

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Gay couple get a boost in winning bid to reunite
Kerry helps Brazilian return to Haverhill
boston.com

By Maria Sacchetti

Tim Coco and Genesio Oliveira married in 2005, among the throngs who wed after same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts. But for nearly three years, they lived apart — Coco in Haverhill and Oliveira in his native Brazil — because federal law does not recognize their union.

On Wednesday, Oliveira returned to Massachusetts for an emotional reunion after federal immigration officials took the rare step of granting him permission to stay for one year on humanitarian grounds, clearing the way for him to try again for legal residency. His return followed personal appeals by Senator John F. Kerry, US Attorney General Eric Holder, and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on their behalf.

read full story

Stop the Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Ass.

Friday, June 4th, 2010

Press Release – June 04, 2010.

Today Independent Activists launched a Campaign to engage the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Associations of Evangelicals requesting that they cease and desist from the continued lobby activities against LGBT equality Legislation.

On June 9th The USCCB and NAE have announced a full Page ad in various Newspapers to announce that they will be Lobbying in D.C. for Comprehensive immigration reform. They plan to emphasize their objection to the LGBT immigration equality language that is currently present in the recently introduced Framework for immigration reform.

October of 2009, the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security held a hearing on Comprehensive Immigration Reform: Theodore Cardinal McCarrick Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, D.C. provided testimony:

“Comprehensive immigration reform: Faith-Based Perspectives October 8, 2009.” where he stated in overt exclusion and direct opposition to S. 424, the Uniting American Families Act.

Please read and sign
http://www.change.org/petitions/view/halt_the_harm_-_stop_advocacy_by_usccb_and_nae_causing_harm_to_lgbt_community

Week 65–Ask FIVE more congress

Monday, May 31st, 2010

Week 65–Ask FIVE more congress

Targeting: Rep. Peter Visclosky (IN-01), Rep. Joe Donnelly (IN-02), Rep. Mark Schauer (MI-07), see more…Rep. Peter Visclosky (IN-01), Rep. Joe Donnelly (IN-02), Rep. Mark Schauer (MI-07), Rep. Tom Perriello (VA-05) and Rep. Alan Mollohan (WV-01)
Started by: Amos Lim
This week’s letter writing campaign is directed at Rep. Joe Donnelly (D-IN-2), Rep. Alan Mollohan (D-WV-1), Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA-5), Rep. Mark Schauer (D-MI-7), Rep. Peter Visclosky (D-IN-1). We are asking them to support Equal Immigration Rights for Same-Sex Binational Couples by sponsoring the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) as well ensure that LGBT Families remain in the framework for Comprehensive Immigration Reform (CIR) as proposed by leading Senate Democrats.

Week 65–Ask FIVE more congress representative to support INCLUSIVE Comprehensive Immigration Reform

Tell Senator Charles Schumer:

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

Tell Senator Charles Schumer:

For months, Republican obstruction has slowed work on immigration reform in the Senate. And now we know why. Senators John McCain and Jon Kyl have been working on a bill that ignores real immigration reform so they can continue to use immigrants as a political punching bag.
The Senators from Arizona have concocted a bill that does nothing to fix our broken immigration system. Their “border-only” bill focuses merely on enforcement and security – it doesn’t help our families, our communities, or our economy. It’s what you’d expect from senators who agree with their state’s decision to legalize racial profiling

Tell Senator Charles Schumer:

Support Equal Immigration Rights for Same Sex Couples in Comprehensive Immigration Reform!

Monday, May 3rd, 2010

Support Equal Immigration Rights for Same Sex Couples in Comprehensive Immigration Reform!

Last week, the Democrats in the Senate leadership unveiled a framework for comprehensive immigration
reform, and UAFA’s language was included!

We must continue to keep this issue out front and make sure UAFA’s language is included in any bill
that moves forward.

Our efforts have gained us a LOT of co-sponsors in both the House (22) and Senate (5), and
it’s important to remember the impact that continued, consistent grass roots efforts have.
WE ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE!

This week, we are focusing on five more members of the House – Let’s finally hit our goal of 500 signatures!

Click here, its fast and easy

Petitions by Change.org|Start a Petition »

Court Date Set for DOMA Challenge

Monday, April 12th, 2010

Court Date Set for DOMA Challenge

By Advocate.com Editors

Oral arguments on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), in the case of Gill v. Office of Personnel Management will begin on Thursday, May 6, according to a statement posted on the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, read full story

Court Date Set for DOMA Challenge

To Robert K. Sweeney

Thursday, April 8th, 2010

I want to personally thank him for his support not only for gay marriage in the state on New York but also supporting the United American families act! He took time to sit down study the issue and wrote an awesome letter to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and to Senator Charles Schumer supporting our bill.
Thank you again Robert K. Sweeney!

Great new web site to Join

Saturday, April 3rd, 2010

Our Campaign
The Give a Damn Campaign is for everybody who cares about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality.
But, it’s especially for all you straight people out there! Whether you’re already an active supporter, want to show your support for the first time, or hadn’t given equality a lot of thought before and now want to learn more, we are here to help you get informed about the issues and get involved, at a pace that works for you.

SPECIAL VISA FOR BINATIONAL

Friday, April 2nd, 2010

SPECIAL VISA FOR BINATIONAL

SPECIAL VISA FOR BINATIONAL LGBT SPOUSE-PERMA-PARTNER/S

Step up tp the plate and sign!

Recently Immigration Equality posted this statement on their BLOG when referring to Immigration reform: “The Senate immigration reform bill will be followed by a House bill, too. In-between, there will be countless steps, challenges and opportunities that must be addressed. As we have seen in the current healthcare debate, legislation does not move easily, or without hard work. Immigration reform will be similar: It is imperative that we build grassroots support for our families, Congressional support for UAFA and broad public support for fair immigration policies.”

So just in case we become the public option of immigration reform, I believe that this makes the argument for a stop gap measure to help keep our families together in the USA. We want a SPECIAL VISA.

New word to use

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

Rethuglican

A Republican who gets into an elected seat and then proceeds to change the laws so each illegal act he or she makes is now legal.

Come on people do your thing!

Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

NOW IS THE TIME to pressure our supporters to make
sure they push for UAFA’s inclusion in any comprehensive bill.

If you want to bring you loved one homw now is the time to act!

Strategy Call with Rep. Nadler

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Strategy Call with Rep. Nadler

from Rachel B. Tiven Executive Director

3/23/2010

Yesterday, more than 250,000 people gathered on the National Mall in Washington to call for fair, comprehensive immigration reform. We were there, rainbow flags flying, in a beautiful LGBT contingent that came from as far away as Chicago to demand comprehensive immigration reform that includes and protects LGBT immigrants and families.

Now, as Congress and the White House turn their attention to fixing our broken immigration system, our efforts to pass an inclusive bill are more important than ever. Senator Schumer said, just last week, that he is committed to a bill that includes the Uniting American Families Act. Now, it’s up to us to help our champions win this fight.

I hope you will join us tomorrow evening – Tuesday, March 23rd, at 6 PM EST – for a special Immigration Equality strategy call with Congressman Jerrold Nadler.

As you know, Congressman Nadler has led the fight for UAFA since day one. Indeed, Rep. Nadler has been one of the most steadfast and vocal champions for the LGBT community. As we move forward, Congerssman Nadler’s leadership and insights will help guide us across the finish line.

Yesterday, we started marching. Now, it is essential that we continue marching forward. We need you to march with us, too.

To join Tuesday’s call with Congressman Nadler and Immigration Equality’s Policy Director, Julie Kruse, just dial (712) 432-0075 and use access code 754532.

You’ll have an opportunity to hear from our Congressional champion, first-hand, about the current political environment in Congress . . . the coming debate on comprehensive immigration reform . . . and what each of us can do to end discrimination against LGBT immigrants and families.

This is an extraordinary moment – and an extraordinary opportunity – not to be missed.

I hope you will join us, and Congressman Nadler, on Tuesday evening at 6 PM EST. The coming weeks and months will be critical, and tomorrow’s call will help point the way forward to victory.

Thank you,

Rachel B. Tiven
Executive Director

Schumer in a Corner Must Include UAFA in Immigration Reform

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

Schumer in a Corner Must Include UAFA in Immigration Reform

Melanie Nathan, March 20, 2010

Senator Schumer is indicating a possible buckle under the pressure generated from the expose that he was not planning to include UAFA in his immigration reform Bill. Hopefully he will, as that is, in his own words, the only way at this time that bi-national couples will get the relief they have long sought. Schumer has specifically stated that piecemeal legislation is not an option, which means that he does not think that UAFA can stand alone at this time. Hence he has painted a picture where he MUST include UAFA in his Bill. I do not see any wiggle room for him. This comes in the light of a recent letter which he sent to his New York constituents, which we published yesterday and is referenced below.

Read the full story

Schumer in a Corner Must Include UAFA in Immigration Reform

Schumer in a Corner Must Include UAFA in Immigration Reform

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

my comment

Schumer like all the rest of them in DC has shown his true colors, and that includes the President to. I’ve been in this battle now for over 6 years now and yes it is the closest to being passed that I’ve ever seen, but we must keep the pressure up on everyone in congress and the senate and yes even the white house with writing letters and e-mails ever day.

It’s strange that a bill that has so many co-sponsors, and is supported by so many groups hasn’t come out of committee or added onto any other bills. If you take a step backward and sit down and think this would be a big step in getting gay marriage passed on the federal level or have section 3 of DOMA lifted.

I’m just wondering if this isn’t a ploy by Schumer to have to have the bill added to it. Remember we are dealing with people that either they are kissing babies or stealing their candy.
Remember what the president said when he gave the speech to the HRC” agitating and advocating for change” and that’s what we have to do. We have to remember that the Uniting American families act isn’t on the top burner for groups like the HRC or Immigration equ.