Saturday, July 19th, 2008
Archive for the ‘US Immigration Woes’ Category
Prop 8 Protest:
Friday, November 14th, 2008Prop 8 Protest: A Call to the LGBTQ Community, Friends, & Family
I’m sure all would agree that with the election of Barack Obama, this week
has been one of amazing wins in the world of equality! Still,
Tuesday night was one of bitter-sweet celebration, as we came together
to witness the first black man who will become our president, and
watched in sadness as Florida, Arizona, Arkansas, and California all
voted down equal rights for all citizens. Pendants and bloggers
alike have put their focus on Proposition 8, trying hard to find an
explanation for the anti-gay wins in the face of a huge pro-equality
event. Some have blamed the voters, others blame religious
groups, and even others blame the LGBTQ community for not being able to
mobilize on a larger enough scale. And you know what, there is
truth in every argument
read the full story
Prop 8 Protest: A Call to the LGBTQ Community, Friends, & Family
Stop the Mormons!
Friday, November 7th, 2008Sign this petition to support the legal effort to amend our tax laws such that the Mormon Church, and other transgressing churches, would lose tax-exempt status if they continue lobbying for state propositions. We intend to share this list with the ACLU, Lambda Legal, and other official legal organizations that will be pressing forward with this effort. Anyone can sign this petition.
This is why you need to vote!
Monday, September 1st, 2008from
Exiled by Love
Jenny Hontz
Published on January 08, 2004
http://www.laweekly.com/2004-01-08/news/exiled-by-love/
This is why you need to get out and vote and get rid of the people running the US Government now, you should write Secretary Chertoff and tell him what a jerk Chris Bentley is. How can anyone in the US goernment tell US citizens well just move out of their country?
“There are no immigration benefits available to [gays] based on their relationship,” said Chris Bentley, spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security’s Citizen and Immigration Services. “With that said, there’s certainly
nothing that says a U.S. citizen cannot move to another country.”
So much for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The message from the government to gays is clear: Pursue your happiness elsewhere. It’s your country or your love. “What an embarrassment,” Christine said. “Nobody should have to leave their country. It’s outright discrimination.”
My anerswer to the letter below
Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 Hi
I have to say how wrong you are! It’s only long term because groups like yours would rather get money from us and make sure you have a pay check coming in every week and be big shots and hand out awards every year.
If the ladies didn’t take the matter into there own hands and sue there would be no marriage in Calif. And no real groups helped them. The big groups said the same thing as you do, do nothing we are afraid!
You want to channel my anger, well that’s easy! First get me in front of a congressman or a senator, the second is stand behind me and lets close down a boarder crossing or march on the white house. Let’s get in a newspaper and on TV and bring this problem to light not like you guys are doing which really is nothing at all.
You want to show me and all the people that are in bi-national relationships that you mean what you say, close down your NYC office and open that one you are doing in DC. Take pay cuts across the boards and show us you really are behind us. Show us that we aren’t your grave train. Have meeting across the country and talk to us and by the way not in the middle of the week when we can’t get into the city or have to work but on the weekends.
You gave me a link to get involved well I own http://www.usimmigrationwoes.com/ I ask people to write and write and call and call. I’ve asked people to get together and close down boarder crossings and march on government offices, thing you should be doing. I’ve called Vic councils lairs to there faces and to the white house. I’ve begged Hilary Clinton and congressman peter king for help. Every time I hear about immigration problems on talk radio I call in and talk about us and our problem. How much more do you want a single person to do?
There are thousands and thousands of people who are afraid of the government, I’m lucky I’m not! They need people like you that should be standing up every single day and shouting at the government and lawyers across the country to help, but we see noting but lip service from you and the HRC.
Roy
Answer from Immigration EQU.
Wednesday, August 27th, 2008Write this lady and tell her how wrong she is and that you want action now! Or do you want to wait 10 to 20 more years?
Legal disclaimer: The following is for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. A review of the following information, reading our website, or contacting Immigration Equality does not create an attorney-client relationship with us. You should always consult with a qualified immigration attorney about the individual facts of your case before making any decisions about particular situation.
Hi Roy,
I certainly understand your anger and frustration. You’re right, realistically, passing UAFA is a long term strategy, and it’s not going to happen overnight. That being said, our attorneys, and attorneys at all the other LGBT rights organizations have done a lot of research on this issue and we believe it would be a mistake to sue the federal government at this point. If we thought there was even a 50-50 chance of winning, we would be leading the litigation in this area. But since we feel almost certain that such litigation would lose, it would be irresponsible for us to file a suit like that. If we sue the federal government and lose, we’re going to make bad law, and that’s going to stick with us for many years to come. This is the same reason that LGBT rights groups are pursuing a state-based strategy (winning marriage rights state by state) before trying a direct federal attack. This was the same strategy that worked in the realm of inter-racial marriage.
I hope that there is some way we can channel your anger into productive work to pass the UAFA. For more information on how you can get involved please see http://www.immigrationequality.org/template.php?pageid=49 .
Best wishes,
Victoria Neilson
Legal Director
Immigration Equality
40 Exchange Place, 17th Flr.
New York, NY 10005
(212) 714-2904 x. 25
vneilson@immigrationequality.org
www.immigrationequality.org
Put your money where your heart is
—–Original Message—–
Sent: Sunday, August 24, 2008 9:03 AM
To: Victoria Neilson
Subject: ImEq - Website Visitor - Legal help / Attorney referral
————————————————————————
-
country_of_origin: usa
contact_subject: Legal help / Attorney referral
message: Hello everyone.
At this time I don’t see the Uniting Families Act being passed any time soon. Immigration Equ. Has a ten year plan lets face it ten days is to long to wait. Let’s face it, we give our hard earned money to groups and nothing is ever done. Nothing every seems to be done! I’m feed up with just sitting on my ass and listening to a bunch of bull. No one wants to march on Washington, no one wants to close down a boarder crossing, no one wants to do jack about it.
So at this point I’m looking for a lawyer with nerve. Someone that doesn’t give up, and has the balls to stand up to the federal government. I want to sue the federal government for the right to bring my lover into this country and get married in Mass., or Calif. Maybe also where I live the domestic partnership in the Town of Babylon.
So if there are any lawyers out there please contact me. Maybe we can get a large group of people together and sue as one group? Roy
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No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com
Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.9/1636 - Release Date: 8/26/2008 7:09 PM
Time for action
Sunday, August 24th, 2008Hello everyone. I’m feed up with just sitting on my ass and listening to a bunch of bull. No one wants to march on Washington, no one wants to close down a boarder crossing, no one wants to do jack about it. So at this point I’m looking for a lawyer with nerve. Someone that doesn’t give up, and has the balls to stand up to the federal government. I want to sue the federal government for the right to bring my lover into this country and get married in Mass., or Calif. Maybe also where I live the domestic partnership in the Town of Babylon. So if there are any lawyers out there please contact me. Maybe we can get a large group of people together and sue as one group?
At this time I don’t see the Uniting Families Act being passed any time soon. Immigration Equ. Has a ten year plan lets face it ten days is to long to wait. Let’s face it, we give our hard earned money to groups and nothing is ever done.
Nothing every seems to be done!
Roy
Gloves are off!
Thursday, July 31st, 2008Gloves are off!
Ok people it’s time to write and e-mail and if you have a fax machine to use all three and try and force the HRC and Immigration Equality to bring the Uniting families act up for a vote!
We don’t have 10 years to wait, or 5 years or next year we want it now and we have to tell them to get there ass’s in gear and do something!
Remember in Nov. the co-sponsors goes to 0, that’s right 0.
Immigration Equality, Inc.
40 Exchange Place, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10005
USATel: +1.212.714.2904
Fax: +212.714.2973
Human Rights Campaign
1640 Rhode Island Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036-3278
HRC Front Desk: 202/628-4160
TTY: 202/216-1572
Toll-Free: 800/777-4723
Fax 202/347-5323
hrc@hrc.org
Pelosi Statement on House Passage of Global AIDS Legislation
Saturday, July 26th, 2008Pelosi Statement on House Passage of Global AIDS Legislation
from Yahoo news
WASHINGTON, July 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement this evening in support of the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde Global Leadership Against HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008. The bill, which passed the Senate last week, passed the House this evening by a vote of 303 to 115 and will now go the President for his signature into law.
Very Important!
Tuesday, July 22nd, 2008Hi everyone
I want to ask everyone if they have written Immigration equ. And the HRC to bring the uniting families act up for a vote? We have to force them to do it. They want to wait till after the election! That means all the sponsors that they got, they have to go back and ask them the sign up again!!! Not only call and write them, but also write your congress man and senators to!!!
THIS IS UP TO US NOW!
Remember to the longer this isn’t a law the more money they can get out of us; it’s there jobs on the line!
Roy
Immigration Equality
40 Exchange Place, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10005
USA
Tel: +1.212.714.2904
Fax: +212.714.2973
http://www.immigrationequality.org/contactus.php
HRC
hrc@hrc.org
Senate Moves to End HIV Travel Ban
Saturday, July 19th, 2008Senate Moves to End HIV Travel Ban
It’s about time! But what do you want the United States is behind the world in a lot of things! We have become a third world country!
“..after 15
years of discrimination, the end of the HIV ban is in sight.”
Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) led the effort to repeal the HIV ban, which was included in PEPFAR, the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. Said Senator Kerry, “Today we are one step closer to ending a discriminatory practice that stigmatizes all those living with HIV, squanders our moral authority, and sets us back in the fight against AIDS. By passing PEPFAR today the Senate not only has made a powerful statement about our commitment to eradicating HIV/AIDS but we have also voted to overturn the HIV travel and immigration ban that has no foundation in public health or common sense.”
From Immigration Equality
The Bush administration’s at it again
Saturday, July 19th, 2008The Bush administration’s at it again
The press this week reported on an offensive protocol by the Census Bureau for how it intends to handle married same-sex couples during the 2010 Census. The Bureau will NOT count legally married gay couples as married, and will instead EDIT the data submitted by married gay couples to change their status to “unmarried partners.”
http://www.kintera.org/site/apps/ka/ct/contactcustom.asp?c=feIJKQMEF&b=4356265
Tell the Census to stick to the facts, and stop listening to the president jack ass
I challenge congressman peter king
Sunday, July 13th, 2008I challenge congressman peter king
I along with close to or over 70,000 people are waiting for a bill to be brought to the floor for a vote. To us this is very important, but with your track record I don’t think you or your staff will help at all. We need you to step away from the far right wing bible thumping people of this country and put away your bible and think why this country of ours that we love was formed for.
Myself I live in your distract and have one vote and I do pay taxes. I along with a lot of people here and over seas need your help in a big way! We need you to stand up for the underdog! I’m talking about the Uniting families act. H.R.2221 and S.1328 I have been in a loving relationship with my life partner now for 6 years. We lived together for 4 ½ years before a US embassy lied throw there teeth to us. We have been apart now for over two years now, I travel all the time to Canada to see him. Just like thousands of other US citizens that need to travel thousands and thousands of miles. You really need to help put an end to this madness that I go throw and all the other couples that are in BI-national relationships.
We need you to not go along with President Bush’s plan that gay people shouldn’t have any rights at all and should leave this country because for the people waiting and longing for this bill that’s what’s happening. Myself if this bill isn’t passed I plan on giving up my US citizenship and move to Canada where gay people can be free and equal under all of there laws. Not like the United States where all men are created equally. What a lie!
I openly challenge you to start thinking like a pure American, I challenge you to stop going along with the right wing and start thinking like a human! Remember this is a human rights issue, an immigrations issue, and a gay issue, but most of all it’s an American issue showing the rest of the world that we do stand up to the saying that all men are created equal.
Please help bring this bill up for a vote and help it get passed.
Thank you
Roy Braunstein
July 12 ,2008
Saturday, July 12th, 2008A call to action!
Ok people the time for more action is here! All the gay pride fun days are over with; July 4 has come and gone so it’s time for us to tack some more action! The reason being, Immigration Equ. , will not push the uniting family bill to the floor of congress for a vote! They have the sponsors to bring it for a vote but they want to hold off for the next congress. Remember that with every new congress they have to start all over again from 0.
We have to write our congressman and senators to bring this bill to a vote! Since the large groups aren’t going to do a thing for us! Also keep in the back of your mind, its there jobs on the line if the bill gets passed.
Document ID: USCBP-2007-0084-0001
Saturday, December 1st, 2007Document ID: USCBP-2007-0084-0001
Issuance of a Visa and Authorization for Temporary Admission Into
the United States for Certain Nonimmigrant Aliens Infected With HIV
AGENCY: Customs and Border Protection; DHS.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to amend
the regulations pertaining to admission of certain nonimmigrants to the
United States. This rule proposes to authorize issuance of certain
short-term nonimmigrant visas and temporary admission for aliens who
are inadmissible solely due to their infection with the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The proposed rule would provide, on a
limited and categorical basis, a more streamlined process to authorize
these nonimmigrant aliens to enter the United
DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 6, 2007.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number, by one
of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov
What is the HIV bar to immigration? ( USA )
Friday, November 30th, 2007What is the HIV bar to immigration?
Immigration Equality
Section 212(a)(1)(A)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act states that any foreign national with a “communicable disease of public health significance” which includes HIV, is “inadmissible.” This means that if you are HIV-positive, you can only obtain a “green card” if you qualify for a waiver. If you are HIV-positive and apply for legal permanent residence and do not qualify for a waiver, your application will be denied and you may be placed in removal (deportation) proceedings.
Is there any way to obtain legal permanent residence even if I’m HIV-positive?
Yes, foreign nationals who have certain qualifying relatives and meet other criteria, such as demonstrating that the United States government will not have to pay for the costs of medical treatment, may be able to obtain a waiver of the HIV ban. Asylees and refugees can apply for an HIV waiver even if they don’t have a qualifying relative. For more information on waivers see HIV Waivers.
Who qualifies to apply for a waiver to the HIV ground of inadmissibility?
To qualify to apply for an HIV waiver, an applicant must be:
The spouse of a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; or
The unmarried son or daughter of a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; or
The minor, unmarried lawfully adopted child of a U.S. citizen; or
The parent of a son or daughter who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident; or
Eligible to self-petition under the Violence against Women Act (i.e. the abused spouse of a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident); or
A Refugee or Asylee who falls under a “humanitarian” exception to the HIV bar
A Bush Double-Cross on HIV Travel Ban
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007A Bush Double-Cross on HIV Travel Ban
By: DOUG IRELAND
Gay city news
The Bush administration is trying to pull a fast one rushing through draconian proposed new regulations that will restrict even further the entry of HIV-positive people into to the US, just one year after having promised to ease them.
On November 6, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued stringent proposed new regulations for HIV-positive travelers coming here which are pretty regressive and extremely troubling, according to Nancy Ordover, assistant director for federal affairs and research at the Gay Mens Health Crisis (GMHC).
Read the full story!
Anther letter to Senator Clinton
Saturday, September 8th, 2007Anther letter to Senator Clinton
Hi there
I just went to Canada by car drove the 600 miles from Long Island to the crossing at Houlton Maine. Id like to know why I was stopped well all traffic is stopped leaving this country? Then asked a lot of question.
This is still a free country, or is it? It would be nice to get an answer from your office on my other e-mail that I sent to.
Roy
Why is it that you never get an answer from Senator Hilary Clinton’s office and when you do it’s a thank you for contacting her? Is this how she is going to run the White house if she makes it to president? That’s what we need anther President that doesn’t listen or care about us.
March on washinton DC to Impeach Bush
Wednesday, September 5th, 2007March on washinton DC to Impeach Bush
Thousands of Americans from around the country will join together to demand the impeachment of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney and insist on the immediate end to the war in Iraq. September 15th is the date General David Petraeus is mandated to make a report to Congress on the progress of the so-called surge. The eyes of the national and international media will be focused on Washington DC at that time. In the coming weeks we will be taking out newspaper ads, producing 500,000 leaflets, flyers, and stickers, and setting up outreach committees for the September 15th March in Washington all over the country
Immigration activist Arellano arrested
Sunday, August 19th, 2007Immigration activist Arellano arrested
By Antonio Olivo | Tribune staff reporter
5:52 PM CDT, August 19, 2007
LOS ANGELES—An immigration activist who sought refuge inside a Chicago church for a year was arrested in Los Angeles this afternoon after taking her campaign on the road.
Elvira Arellano was arrested about 4:15 p.m. Chicago time by law-enforcement officials after leaving Our Lady Queen of Angels Church in downtown Los Angeles, said Emma Lozano, an adviser who was there during the arrest.
Suggest Immediate Actions to Support Her:
1) Call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office, demand them the safety of the Elvira Arellano, no deportation, and demand her immediately release from the ICE custody.
ICE Field Office Director, Los Angeles
300 North Los Angeles St., Room 7631A
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-830-7911
ICE Headquarters, Director, Office of Detention and Removal Operations
801 I St, NW
Suite 900
Washington, DC 20536
Phone: 202-305-2734
2) Daily peace vigil at the Los Angeles ICE office until Elvira Arellano’s safe release.
ICE Field Office, Los Angeles
300 North Los Angeles St., Room 7631A
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-830-7911
Immigration Equality on the O’Reilly Factor
Thursday, August 16th, 2007Immigration Equality on the O’Reilly Factor
See what this back water jerk is saying about us and our problem. it will make your blood boil! He must be into hate crimes! This man knows nothing at all!
Host forum on LGBT Immigration with NY Congressman Jerry Nadler
Thursday, August 16th, 2007Host forum on LGBT Immigration with NY Congressman Jerry Nadler
Immigration Equality and Human Rights Campaign to host forum on LGBT Immigration with NY Congressman Jerry Nadler
Representative Jerrold Nadler, the lead sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act, will join us in a forum entitled “The Immigration Debate: LGBT Perspectives.”
The event will be held Tuesday, August 28th at the LGBT Community Center of New York, with support from Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Stonewall Democrats of New York and Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn.
Host forum on LGBT Immigration with NY Congressman Jerry Nadler
Line in sand for same-sex couples
Monday, July 16th, 2007Line in sand for same-sex couples
Unlike a heterosexual spouse, a gay U.S. citizen cannot sponsor his or her noncitizen partner for a green card.
By Teresa Watanabe, Times Staff Writer
July 16, 2007
The American and Australian met in London. They fell madly in love. They got together, got a dog, got a house near Venice Beach.
But there is no happy ending in sight for Tim Miller and Alistair McCartney. That’s because the couple is gay, and U.S. immigration law does not allow the Whittier-born Miller to sponsor McCartney for a green card as heterosexuals cando for their husbands and wives. Federal law reserves immigration benefits for those with “valid marriages” to U.S. citizens, defining them as unions between a man and woman. It supersedes state laws that recognize civil unions or, in the case of Massachusetts, same-sex marriages.
So Mad today
Sunday, July 15th, 2007To New York Times
News Day
Senator Hilary Clinton
Congressman Peter king
Senator Schumer
I don’t understand a few things that have been going on with my government that I love so much. Today I’m scared for my well being and the well being of ever single gay person in what was the most amazing country to live in.
Over the last few years I have seen gay rights being taken away from us, rights that every single straight American takes for granted. The right to not be scared walking at night, scared that we can’t get a fair hates crime bill passed. Wondering why in no time soon if every are we going to see any gay marriage, or domestic partnership on the federal level. I don’t understand why my government can’t pass the Uniting Families act passed.
So in my sad eyes I’m planning on leaving the country that I was born and raised in. The country that my father fought for in WW2, the country where my grandfather fought for in WW1. The country where my great grandfather came here. They fought wars to make us free; they fought to make me free where I could choose what I wanted to be. Gay straight or what every. They are rolling over in there graves right now seeing the American rights being taken away from us, or not given to us.
I’ve been in a Bi-national relationship now for 5 years. We have lived together for 4 1/2 years before the immigration policies of this country tried to break us up, plus we have been lied to time in and time out from a US Embassy. My congressmen Peter King and my Senator Hilary Clinton don’t care what happens to the gay people that they are suppose to help. Also they don’t seem to care enough to reply to e-mails or faxes, my elected government officers.
So if the Uniting Families act isn’t passed then I’m planning on having my lover bring me into Canada and become a Canadian where it seems like they are the new free and brave! Also they have equal right for there citizens. My government doesn’t understand that with every day more and more Americans are moving out of the country that they love so much.
What I have seen over the last few years this once mighty country has turned out to be a dictatorship, and is turning out to be a third world nation.
Roy
To Senator Charles Schumer
Wednesday, June 27th, 2007Sir:
This isn’t the first time that I have contacted your office and never seem to get any kind of answer from anyone from any of the questions that I ask. I just saw you on TV on ABC news.
You helped out a lady that needed to get her passport so she could get married, well that’s all well and good but why can’t you help me with my problem that I’m having with an American embassy in Malaysia, and getting married myself? Is it because ABC news contacted you and it would be bad press if you didn’t take care of this problem. Maybe I should contact them myself?
I have been in a loving relationship for over 5 years and thanks to the Gulfport police department for not doing there job and a liar of a Vic. Council general I can’t be with my partner! We have been screwed over by the state department, INS, an American embassy, and you!
How does someone get help from your office?
Thanks
Roy
Write Michael Moore
Monday, June 25th, 2007mike@michaelmoore.com
Please write him and ask him to look into the Uniting Families act, that we are all hurting waiting for the large organizes to do something and nothing ever gets done.
Senator Hilary Clinton
Monday, June 25th, 2007Senator Hilary Clinton
AS of June 25, 2007 she has not signed on to be one of the sponsors of the Uniting Families act. When I press her people why there was no reason given. When I called the press office to get a response I was given a answering machine and still waiting for an answer from them.
Here is a top runner for being the president of the United States and she can’t come out with a clear and open statement about this important issue facing us.
It’s time that you call and e-mail her your point of view! It is up to us to the force the backward hand of this once great country that believed that all men are created equal.
Wal-Mart shuns gay groups
Monday, June 25th, 2007By Marc Gunther, Fortune senior writer
June 22 2007: 11:52 AM EDT
NEW YORK (FORTUNE) — Wal-Mart, the world’s largest retailer, has decided to curb its support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) organizations after conservative Christian groups threatened a boycott, and after some of its own employees expressed disapproval.
“I thought the company was moving in the right direction,” this employee wrote in an email. “But last week changed everything. Pulling funding from GLBT organizations is a slap in the face to gay employees and it sends a very clear message. Diversity within Wal-Mart is only partially inclusive.” “They’re catering to their conservative base,” the employee added, in a phone conversation.
DON”T BUY AT WAL-MART!!!!!!!!!!!
U.S. Surgeon General?
Tuesday, June 12th, 2007U.S. Surgeon General?
Which of these warnings comes from the U.S. Surgeon General?
A. “Smoking causes lung cancer.”
B. “Women should not drink alcoholic beverages during pregnancy.”
C. “Gay activity is unnatural and unhealthy.”
If President Bush has his way, ALL OF THE ABOVE might soon be the answer. His recent nomination of Dr. James Holsinger as America’s top doctor flies in the face of science, medicine - and our nation’s health.
One of New York’s Senators sits on the committee that will decide Holsinger’s fate. That’s why your voice is so important right now.
How can we trust Holsinger to be America’s top doctor, when his resume looks like this:
In 1991 used basic plumbing analogies to write a “scientific and medical” paper arguing that homosexuality is unnatural and dangerous.
Founded the Hope Springs Community Church, which reportedly has a special program to “cure” gays from “that lifestyle.”
Past writings indicate that he views sexual orientation as a “lifestyle choice.” This could not be further from the view held by mainstream medical or scientific organizations.
James Holsinger’s record seems to demonstrate that he is uninterested in the best scientific information available; instead, he allows his anti-gay bias to inform his medical judgments. What will he do if he’s given the title of Surgeon General?
The Surgeon General is charged with protecting America’s health. That doesn’t mean some Americans, or not those Americans. It means all Americans.
Raising the Bar on “Gay Friendly”
Friday, June 8th, 2007Raising the Bar on “Gay Friendly”
By Chris Crain
Published: June 7, 2007
The seven Democrats running for president have come out for full federal benefits for gay couples, though the devil is in the details.
For me and thousands of other gay Americans in relationships with non-Americans, all seven candidates — including, for the first time, Clinton, Obama and Delaware Sen. Joe Biden — promised support for the Uniting American Families Act, which allows us to sponsor our partners for citizenship, just as straight Americans can.
Feds to Suspend Border Passport Rule
Friday, June 8th, 2007Feds to Suspend Border Passport Rule
By MATTHEW LEE and DEVLIN BARRETT Associated Press Writers
WASHINGTON Jun 8, 2007 (AP)
The Bush administration is poised to suspend a major post-9/11 security initiative to cope with increasingly angry complaints from Americans whose summer vacations are threatened by new passport rules.
A proposal, expected to be announced Friday, will temporarily waive a requirement that U.S. citizens have passports to fly to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda, provided the traveler can prove he or she has already applied for a passport, officials said Thursday.
webmasters note-We shouldn’t need a passport to get back into this country from Canada. It’s just Bush’s government trying to control the US citizens!
Clinton, Obama, other Dems. favor repealing part of DOMA
Wednesday, June 6th, 2007Clinton, Obama, other Dems. favor repealing part of DOMA
WASHINGTON (BP)–The major Democratic candidates for president believe the federal government should recognize state-level “gay marriages” — a position that would require repealing a section of the Defense of Marriage Act, according to a questionnaire the candidates filled out for the Human Rights Campaign.
U.S. Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, former Sen. John Edwards and four other Democratic candidates all favor repealing Section 3 of DOMA and having the federal government grant the federal legal benefits of marriage to same-sex couples on the state level who are “married,” such as those in Massachusetts. As it stands now under DOMA, the federal government does not recognize such “marriages.”
Hillary, Obama hedge on UAFA
Tuesday, June 5th, 2007Hillary, Obama hedge on UAFA
Citizen Crain
Well, the bloom came off the rose pretty quickly for those of us in binational relationships. The Human Rights Campaign “report card” on the Democratic presidential candidates indicates that both Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama “support” immigration rights for gay couples.
But the actual HRC questionnaire responses show both candidates hedging their support, raising concerns about immigration fraud. Clinton, in particular, said she did not believe the already overburdened U.S. immigration agency could handle scrutinizing the additional applications they would receive. The other five Democratic presidential candidates, including John Edwards, have offered their unconditional support.
Town of babylon
Saturday, May 19th, 2007Town of babylon
Long Island New York
Domestic Partnership Registry
Letter to Hilary Clinton
Saturday, May 19th, 2007Hilary Clinton;
I just looked at who was co-sponsoring the Uniting families act and I didn’t see your name listed. I’d like to know why? Also are you going to support this very important bill?
Thank you
Roy
S.1328
Title: A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens and lawful permanent residents and to penalize immigration fraud in connection with permanent partnerships.
Sponsor: Sen Leahy, Patrick J. [VT] (introduced 5/8/2007) Cosponsors (3)
Latest Major Action: 5/8/2007 Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary
Write, write, write we need people to get on board!
Check the status of UAFA
Saturday, May 19th, 2007Check the status of UAFA
Status of UAFA: Check the status of UAFA in both the House (H.R. 2221) and Senate (S. 1328).
To Peter King
Saturday, May 19th, 2007To Congressman Pete King
Sir:
I just looked at who was co sponsoring the uniting families act and I didn’t see your name there.
Why aren’t you on that list?
Thank you
Roy
H.R.2221
Title: To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to eliminate discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status in the same manner as spouses of citizens and lawful permanent residents and to penalize immigration fraud in connection with permanent partnerships.
Sponsor: Rep Nadler, Jerrold [NY-8] (introduced 5/8/2007) Cosponsors (76)
Latest Major Action: 5/8/2007 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
You to schould write your congressman and ask if you are supporing this! let your voice be herd!!!!!
H.R.2221
Thursday, May 17th, 2007H.R.2221 has now a total of 75 co-sponsors up from 72!
The 3 congress members:
Albio Sires (NJ-13)
Ed Pastor (AZ-4)
Nita M. Lowey (NY-18)
…and S.1328 went up from 0 to 3!
Sherrod Brown (OH)
Daniel K. Inouye (HI)
Russel Feingold (WI)
We need many, many more!
We all need your help, please,please,please write you congressman and senators and ask them to support this, no demand that they support this. This is your life we all need everyones help!
Out 4 Immigration
Thursday, May 17th, 2007United by love, Divided by law
If you are in a Bi-national relationship this is a must join group!!!!!!!!!!
Mission Statement
Out4Immigration addresses the widespread discriminatory impact of U.S. immigration laws on the lives of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and HIV+ people and their families through education, outreach, advocacy and the maintenance of a resource and support network.
P.O. Box 14073, San Francisco, CA 94114
415.375.3765
info@out4immigration.org
Cyndi Lauper & HRC in Atlantic City and DC
Wednesday, May 16th, 2007Cyndi Lauper & HRC in Atlantic City and DC
I’m writing with a final reminder that Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Tour is coming to Atlantic City and the District of Columbia this summer. Tickets are already sold out in New York, so be sure to get yours today.
Cyndi has been a long-time friend to the Human Rights Campaign and the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality movement. She’s attended events, performed at dinners and spoken out against discrimination.
And she wants to do more. She’s launched the True Colors Tour to bring gay and straight audiences together in support of GLBT equality. In 16 cities across the country - including Atlantic City and DC - there will be legendary performances by Cyndi, Erasure, Debbie Harry and The Dresden Dolls, with Margaret Cho as the master of ceremonies. And, a treat for the DC event is special guest, Rufus Wainwright, which is very exciting!
This tour has an extraordinary lineup, it also has an extraordinary mission: to support gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. In fact, HRC will receive a portion of the proceeds from every ticket sold to help us continue our work against discrimination.
These concerts are a true celebration of our community and these will definitely be 16 incredible evenings.
“We schould all have the rights to live with the same dignity,opportunity & safety. It shouldn’t matter what anyone’s sexual orientation is”
To learn more go to Cyndi Lauper & HRC in Atlantic City and DC
Why Anti-War Activists Defend Immigrant Rights and Civil Liberties
Tuesday, May 15th, 2007Why Anti-War Activists Defend Immigrant Rights and Civil Liberties
Under the guise of the “war on terrorism,” the Bush administration is using the tragic events of September 11th to impose the domestic and international agenda of powerful, right-wing forces. While his policies threaten the civil liberties of all, people of color are bearing the brunt of the domestic impact of Bush’s war policies. From secret detentions and deportations of immigrants, to increased racial profiling, to cuts in public services alongside massive increases in military spending, the war is expanding the scope and depth of racial injustice within the US.
Read the full story
http://unitedforpeace.org/article.php?type=74&list=type
Families Behind Bars
Monday, May 14th, 2007February 6, 2007
Families Behind Bars
U.S. immigration policy is putting kids in jail
By Kari Lydersen
Named after the co-founder of the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), the T. Don Hutto Correctional Center in Taylor, Texas, opened as a medium-security prison in 1997. Today, the federal government pays CCA, the nation’s largest private prison company, $95 per person per day to house the detainees, who wear jail-type uniforms and live in cells.
But they have not been charged with any crimes. In fact, nearly half of its 400 or so residents are children, including infants and toddlers ( What Kind of Government do we have that puts kids in Jail for nothing?????)
The inmates are immigrants or children of immigrants who are in deportation proceedings. Many of them are in the process of applying for political asylum, refugees from violence-plagued and impoverished countries like Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Somalia and Palestine. (Since there are different procedures for Mexican immigrants, the facility houses no Mexicans.)
“It’s just a concentration camp by another name,” says John Wheat Gibson, a Dallas attorney representing two Palestinian families in the facility.
Read the full story
http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3015/families_behind_bars/
The ICE T. Don Hutto Family Residential Facility:
maintaining family unity, enforcing immigration laws
http://www.ice.gov/pi/news/factsheets/huttodetentionfac.htm
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is running a jail now for Illegals to hold there families.
‘Real ID’ Act As of May 2008
Sunday, May 13th, 2007You have to watch this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7pHb7bPfMc
By Anita Ramasastry
FindLaw columnist
Special to CNN.com
Friday, August 12, 2005; Posted: 2:36 p.m. EDT (18:36 GMT)
(FindLaw) — In May 2005, Congress passed the “Real ID” Act, which requires states - starting in May 2008 — to issue federally approved driver’s licenses or identification (ID) cards to those who live and work in the United States.
The Real ID Act’s identity cards will be required if one wants to drive, visit a federal government building, collect Social Security, access a federal government service or use the services of a private entity (such as a bank or an airline) that is required under federal law to verify customer identity.
Read the full story!
King Votes Against Hate Crime Legislation
Wednesday, May 9th, 2007King Votes Against Hate Crime Legislation
Dave Mejias on MassapequaNews.com
After a debate this morning, HR1592: To provide Federal assistance to States, local jurisdictions, and Indian tribes to prosecute hate crimes, and for other purposes AKA Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007 passed the House 237-180.
Peter King decided it was best he vote against it.
What a sad little man.
Time to vote him out!
UAFA Reintroduced in U.S. Congress
Tuesday, May 8th, 2007UAFA Reintroduced in U.S. Congress
Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) reintroduced the Uniting American Families Act today into the U.S. Congress. The bill would allow citizens and legal residents in same-sex relationships to sponsor their partner for immigration purposes.
Tell Congress to pass the UAFA.
“Dividing loving families, simply because they are gay or lesbian, is un-American,” says Immigration Equality Director Rachel B. Tiven. “We call on Congress to end the very real separation that thousands of same-sex couples and their families must endure because of this unequal treatment by our immigration system.”
Give Same-Sex Couples the Same Immigration Rights!
By writing your lawmakers today, you bring us one step closer to equal immigration rights, so citizens can sponsor their same-sex partners for immigration.
No more separation. No more deportation. No more fear.
Make sure Congress gets the message loud and clear: America demands passage of the Uniting American Families Act.
Tell Your story!
Tuesday, May 8th, 2007Immigration Equality is looking for stories from binational same-sex couples around the country and around the world. Your story makes a difference - to members of Congress, to the media, and to other couples fighting for equality. Tell us what you would say to Congress about your family, and why passing the Uniting American Families Act is important to you.
UAFA Debuts in 110th Congress
Monday, May 7th, 2007UAFA Debuts in 110th Congress
Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) will reintroduce the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) in the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, May 8, 2007. The bill would let gay and lesbian Americans sponsor their partners for immigration benefits, ending the cruel discrimination that keeps loving couples apart.
House Passes Gay Hate Crimes Bill
Thursday, May 3rd, 2007House Passes Gay Hate Crimes Bill
by Paul Johnson 365Gay.com Washington Bureau Chief
(Washington) The House of Representatives passed legislation late Wednesday afternoon to expand federal hate crimes laws to include gays, lesbians and the transgendered.
The measure received bipartisan support, passing on a 233 - 199 vote.
Called the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act it has passed the Senate in previous congressional sessions only to die in the House.
A Senate version of the bill is currently before the chamber.
This legislation extends existing hate crimes laws that already cover crimes motivated by race, color, national origin and religion to include crimes based on actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, disability and gender identity, including gender-related characteristics. The gender identity/characteristics language was added to this bill this year to make clear that anti-transgender crimes are covered.
The bill would allow the Department of Justice to assist local authorities in investigating and prosecuting cases in which violence occurs.
The bill was filed jointly in May by Reps. Barney Frank (D-MA), IIeana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), John Conyers (D-MI); Christopher Shays (R-CT), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) (story)
Passage in the House drew praise from LGBT rights activists.
“Every American child deserves the strongest protections from some of this country’s most horrifying crimes,” said Judy Shepard, the mother of Matthew Shepard, who was murdered by two men because he was gay, in 1998 in Wyoming. Shepard’s slaying became the impetus for the legislation.
“Never before has the House of Representatives voted to protect transgender people in any way,” said Matt Foreman, Executive Director of the Task Force. “And today marks the first time, outside of procedural motions, that the House has affirmatively voted to extend full hate crimes protections to lesbian, gay and bisexual people. This proves that even in times of adversity for our community, when grassroots voices keep up the pressure on our elected officials, decency can prevail.”
Gay Democrats were equally pleased.
“This legislation will allow the federal government to enhance its law enforcement resources so that it may effectively combat crimes that attempt to terrorize groups of Americans,” said Eric Stern, NSD Executive Director.
Passage of the bill came the same week as the conviction of two men in the slaying of transgendered teen Gwen Araujo. The jury, however, was unable to reach agreement on the sentence for a third defendant in the case. (story)
Last April a report released by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs showed violence against members of the LGBT community is on the rise.
Overall, NCAVP’s report noted a 4% increase in reported incidents of anti-LGBT violence. Such incidents rose from 1,720 in 2003 to 1,792 in 2004.
Included in the rise in incidents for the year, was an 11% increase in anti-LGBT murders, which rose from 18 in 2003 to 20 in 2004. During 2004, the total number of victims rose 4%, from 2,042 in 2003 to 2,131 in 2004.
©365Gay.com 2005
President Bush to veto gay hate crimes bill
Thursday, May 3rd, 2007President Bush to veto gay hate crimes bill
What an animal he is! He really doesn’t like the american people!
When I first heard about the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act - which would provide additional, federal resources to local law enforcement offices investigating hate crimes - I thought, “It’s gay, but how can Bush veto this one?” After all, the article isn’t about religious expression, freedom to carry “God Hates Fags” signs, or anything of that nature. It’s only relevant if someone is the victim of a crime because they are gay.
Today, the White House announced that he will veto the measure. WTF?!
Okay, I get it - Bush is a bigot. But on what planet can legislation come to your desk that would make it easier to prosecute violent people committing hate crimes and you say, “Well, it says ‘gay’ in it…”?
My “favourite” quote on the matter came from Matt Barber of Concerned Women for America (CWA), who frequently speak out against gay rights:
“Perhaps most frightening is the fact that liberal legislators have refused any amendment which would substantively protect religious expression in association with this legislation….”
This man is actually using the religion card to justify crime! Okay, if he hates my “lifestyle choice” then that’s his business, but that doesn’t mean he ought to have the right to assault, rape or kill me in the name of Jesus Christ. He wants that written into the bill? You’ve got to be kidding me.
Hate Makes a Comeback
Tuesday, May 1st, 2007Hate Makes a Comeback
Groups Like the Ku Klux Klan and Neo-Nazis Target Mexican Immigrants
By JIM AVILA, ELIZABETH TRIBOLET, MARY HARRIS & GINA SUNSERI
ABC News Law & Justice Unit
May 1, 2007
Print The roiling American border debate over immigration has revived one of the ugliest chapters in American history and become a vital recruiting tool for hate groups, experts say.
The number of hate groups — from the Ku Klux Klan to neo-Nazis and skinhead groups — has risen by 40 percent since 2000, from 602 to 844, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks such groups
Mexican-American football star born in Houston. He was beaten nearly to death by two skinheads at a teen party. They poured bleach on him and beat him mercilessly. Ritcheson was in a coma for days, and suffered massive internal injuries, internal bleeding and a shattered cheekbone. He is now deaf in one ear.
Read the full story