Uniting American Families Act Introduced in both Chambers of Congress

Statement by NCLR Federal Policy Attorney Maya Rupert

(Washington D.C., April 14, 2011)—Today, Congress members in both the upper and lower chambers introduced the Uniting American Families Act of 2011, which would grant United States citizens and lawful permanent residents the right to sponsor their same-sex permanent partners to immigrate into the country.

Representative Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., introduced the bill in the House, where it has more than 90 co-sponsors. Senator Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., introduced it in the Senate, where it has more than a dozen co-sponsors.

A Statement by NCLR Federal Policy Attorney Maya Rupert:

"Committed same-sex bi-national couples are being forced to make the unconscionable choice between being forced into exile or being split apart by discriminatory immigration laws. Our immigration policy should aim to keep families together, not tear them apart. We will fight for the passage of UAFA, and for broad and humane immigration reform that ensures equal respect and dignity for all families."

The National Center for Lesbian Rights is a national legal organization committed to advancing the civil and human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their families through litigation, public policy advocacy, and public education.
www.nclrights.org.

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