FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | June 21, 2005

National Center for Lesbian Rights Statement on Uniting American Families Act

"The heart knows no borders or boundaries. Ultimately no nation can diminish the love between two people, but it can tear families apart. The Uniting American Families Act allows bi-national couples to remain together without fear of separation or deportation."

(San Francisco, CA, June 21, 2005) — Today Representative Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) will introduce the H.B. 3006, the Uniting American Families Act (formerly known as the Permanent Partners Immigration Act), legislation which would allow Americans in same-sex relationships to sponsor their foreign partners for United States residency.

Lena Ayoub, Staff Attorney, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), made the following statement:

"The heart knows no borders or boundaries. Ultimately no nation can diminish the love between two people, but it can tear families apart.

"Over the last 28 years, NCLR has seen countless families separated by immigration laws that cruelly exclude same-sex couples from any recognition or protection, no matter how committed their relationship or how long a couple has been together. The Uniting American Families Act allows bi-national couples to remain together without fear of separation or deportation.

"The National Center for Lesbian Rights calls on Congress to immediately pass the Uniting American Families Act."