Nadler Bill to Ease Immigration for Gay, Lesbian Partners
From the National NOW Legislative Updates Homepage available at:
http://www.now.org/issues/legislat/05-10-00.html

Despite the fact that U.S. immigration law is based on the principle of family unity, it does not recognize gay and lesbian families. U.S. citizens cannot petition for their same-sex partners to immigrate on the basis of their relationships. Consequently, thousands of gay and lesbian bi-national couples are kept apart, torn apart or forced to live together with one partner undocumented and in constant fear of deportation.

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) has introduced a bill (H.R. 3650, The Permanent Partner Immigration Act) that would provide same-sex partners all the immigration rights that legal spouses currently enjoy. The bill amends numerous sections of Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to add the term "permanent partner" to the list of definitions in the INA and to enable U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for their permanent partner for immigration to the U.S.

ACTION NEEDED:

Please urge your House Member to cosponsor The Permanent Partner Immigration Act, H.R. 3650. You can also tell him/her that:

• U.S. immigration law must value all families, including gay and lesbian families, by helping to preserve all family unity. Gay and lesbian partners separated by international boundaries and immigration policies experience a special kind of discrimination that should not be tolerated.
• Rep. Nadler's bill, The Permanent Partner Immigration Act, H.R. 3650, would amend the Immigration and Naturalization Act to allow gay and lesbian partners to petition for the legal immigration of their partners. The need for this change is apparent and I urge you to support it.
• Please show that this Congress cares about the rights of all families. Help build support among your colleagues for passage of The Permanent Partner Immigration Act, H.R. 3650, and ask the leadership to schedule hearings.