Speech #1100044437

Mr. President. today I am pleased to reintroduce the Uniting American Families Act. This legislation would allow U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to petition for their foreign samesex partners under our familybased immigration system. I hope that the Senate will demonstrate our Nations commitment to equality under the law by passing this measure. I am pleased to act today in concert with Congressman NADLER. who is introducing this same measure in the House of Representatives. Congressman NADLER has been a steady advocate for these changes. and I commend his efforts to promote fundamental fairness for Americans whose loved ones are foreign citizens. Under current law. foreign samesex partners of Americans are unable to benefit from the familybased immigration system. which accounts for the majority of green cards awarded annually. As a result. gay Americans in this situation face the difficult choice of living apart from their partner. or leaving the U.S. to reside together. This bill provides parity while also retaining strong prohibitions against fraud. To qualify as a permanent partner. potential beneficiaries must be at least 18 years old and in an exclusive. committed relationship with an adult U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident. where both parties intend a lifelong union. The couple must prove that their union is not cognizable as a marriage under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Penalties for fraud would be the same as in any other marriagebased case: up to 5 years in prison and $250.000 in fines for the petitioner. and possible deportation for the alien partner. Like many people across the country. Vermonters involved in permanent partnerships with foreign nationals often feel abandoned by immigration laws and restrictions. This bill would alluw them. and other gay and lesbian Americans. to become more fully integrated into our society. Promoting family unity has long been a critical aim of Federal immigration policy. and we should honor that purpose by providing all Americans regardless of their sexual orientation the opportunity to be with their loved ones. The idea that immigration benefits should extend to samesex couples is not new. Many nations recognize that their respective immigration laws should respect family unity. regardless of sexual orientation. Indeed. 16 of our closest alliesAustralia. Belgium.