The recent marches in the US in support of citizenship for illegal immigrants reminded me that we have our own immigration issue affecting our members. At the recent Democrats Abroad meeting in Washington, we unanimously passed a resolution (see below) supporting a piece of legislation called the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).

UAFA would resolve a problem that is sure to affect members of your group: binational couples excluded from the US. That means US citizens in a same-sex relationship with a foreigner. I speak from experience. Nine years ago when I moved to Amsterdam, it was because Holland was one of only three places in the world that would allow both I and my British partner to live and work.

It will not surprise you to learn that the US immigration system offers no option to me and thousands like me. It did surprise me when I learned that there is legislation sitting on a table in Congress to resolve the situation and recognize same-sex partners for immigration purposes. There is obviously little chance of this passing until we regain a Democratic majority, but the solution is there and ready to go.

Where to turn?

For many, their situation is complicated and painful. Imagine having an elderly parent in need of care, or a fantastic job opportunity back home, and your spouse was not allowed to go there with you. Imagine having no freedom to return to your own country.

www.LoveExiles.org is an Amsterdam-based advocacy and support group for binational couples. Love Exiles currently has groups in Holland, Canada, Germany, UK and Australia. And they work to encourage overseas voting by their American members.

Robert Checkoway
International Secretary, Democrats Abroad
www.democratsabroad.org

Passed by Democrats Abroad in Washington, DC, March 4, 2006

WHEREAS, every American is entitled to equal protection under the law;
WHEREAS, the U.S. immigration system is largely based upon the principle of family unification;
WHEREAS, federal law does not currently recognize permanent same-sex partners for immigration purposes;
WHEREAS, this results in thousands of US citizens being forced into exile to be with foreign-born partners, causing unnecessary hardship, separation from family members and careers, and loss of valuable skills and resources for our country;
WHEREAS, the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) has been introduced in Congress by Sen. Leahy (D-VT) and Rep. Nadler (D-NY) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and allow U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to sponsor same-sex partners for immigration;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Democrats Abroad urges Congress to pass the Uniting American Families Act at the earliest possible date and supports the removal of all legal barriers to immigration by permanent same-sex partners.

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