Brazilian Man Denied Ability to Live with US Partner
Family Fairness discussed in March how same-sex couples were hurt by anti-gay immigration policies. Because of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a gay or lesbian United States citizen is unable to sponsor his or her partner for residency. Hope was on the horizon in May, when the Senate held a hearing on the Uniting American Families Act, a bill designed to give committed same-sex couples the ability to reside together in the country.
Unfortunately, the wheels of progress turn slowly. Last week, a Brazilian man was denied asylum to live in the United States with his Massachusetts partner, despite the couple's Massachusetts marriage license and co-ownership of a home. Because same-sex partners are not eligible for automatic citizenship when one partner is a US citizen, the couple was required to file a special asylum application. Rather than respond to their request, US Attorney General Eric Holder ignored it. The application has now lapsed, and the couple's request effectively denied.
The couple plans to initiate a legal challenge to DOMA for its violation of immigration and humanitarian laws. However, they have already spent approximately $250,000 in legal bills over the course of their forced separation, which has lasted more than two years. Until the passage of the Uniting American Families Act or the repeal of DOMA, this story will repeat. Couples should not be denied their basic human right to be together simply because of the sex of their partner. Shame on Attorney General Holder for dragging his feet on this important issue.
Have any insight on this topic? Want to ask a question or make a suggestion? Click here to leave a comment.
Related Articles
- Why Civil Unions Are Not Enough: Immigration Laws
- Senate to hold first ever hearing on anti-gay policies in immigration law
- Married in Massachusetts, Divorced in Texas?
- The Evils of DOMA: COBRA and Health Care
- A Further Reason Why Separate is Unequal in Marriage