Judge Gives Immigrant in Same-Sex Marriage a Reprieve From Deportation

[nofurylike]

By Julia Preston
May 6, 2011

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/07/us/pol...ss&emc=rss

An immigration judge in Newark on Friday suspended the deportation of a Venezuelan man who is married to an American man, responding to an unusual signal this week from the Obama administration that it is exploring legal avenues for recognizing same-sex marriages in immigration cases.

The Venezuelan, Henry Velandia, had been awaiting the hearing with dread, since immigration authorities had said it was the last step before his deportation. Mr. Velandia, a dancer, was legally married last year in Connecticut to Josh Vandiver, a graduate student at Princeton. Mr. Velandia was denied legal residency as Mr. Vandiver’s spouse because under a federal law, the Defense of Marriage Act, immigration authorities do not recognize same-sex marriage.

On Thursday, Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. intervened in a different immigration case involving a same-sex couple, suspending the deportation of a man from Ireland and sending his case back to the immigration appeals court, asking it to consider several possible grounds on which the Irishman might qualify for legal residency.

-snip-

Mr. Mundy said he was optimistic about the significance for gay immigrants of Mr. Holder’s action. “It is an extraordinary measure,” he said, “and it sends a clear message that the Obama administration intends to do away with DOMA in its entirety.”

-snip-

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[jaxx]

Yes!! This is how they will make DOMA become DOA. When the courts start saying the marriage should have all the perks straight marriages have we are well on our way. Good for PBO and Holder no longer supporting the DOMA in court.

An aside here.....a woman at works son entered into a civil union with his partner last week. The family is so happy.

Also my best friend at work is going to have a civil union with his 25 year partner in June. And it will be performed by a lady who just happens to be a minister! I'll be going to that one.

Quote:About IL's civil unions:
Illinois civil unions signed into law
Same-sex couples will get many of the same rights as married counterparts
January 31, 2011|By Monique Garcia, Tribune reporter

For the first time in Illinois history, gay and lesbian couples will be afforded many of the same rights as their married counterparts under landmark legislation signed into law Monday.

Illinois is now the sixth state to recognize civil unions or domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. Another five states and the District of Columbia allow gay marriage.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed Illinois' sweeping new legal protections Monday afternoon before a jubilant standing-room crowd at the Chicago Cultural Center.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-...y-marriage

Civil unions aren't marriage, but they are on the way. Everybody ought to be able to love the one they want and pledge a life together legally.

[nofurylike]

(05-07-2011 09:23 AM)jaxx Wrote:  Yes!! This is how they will make DOMA become DOA. When the courts start saying the marriage should have all the perks straight marriages have we are well on our way. Good for PBO and Holder no longer supporting the DOMA in court.

An aside here.....a woman at works son entered into a civil union with his partner last week. The family is so happy.

Also my best friend at work is going to have a civil union with his 25 year partner in June. And it will be performed by a lady who just happens to be a minister! I'll be going to that one.

Quote:About IL's civil unions:
Illinois civil unions signed into law
Same-sex couples will get many of the same rights as married counterparts
January 31, 2011|By Monique Garcia, Tribune reporter

For the first time in Illinois history, gay and lesbian couples will be afforded many of the same rights as their married counterparts under landmark legislation signed into law Monday.

Illinois is now the sixth state to recognize civil unions or domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. Another five states and the District of Columbia allow gay marriage.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed Illinois' sweeping new legal protections Monday afternoon before a jubilant standing-room crowd at the Chicago Cultural Center.
http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-...y-marriage

Civil unions aren't marriage, but they are on the way. Everybody ought to be able to love the one they want and pledge a life together legally.

thank you for posting this, jaxx! i agree, we really are well on our way. and yes, good for PBO and Holder on DOMA.

what a sea change to hear "The family is so happy"! that brings tears to my eyes.
and how wonderful that you will be there to celebrate your dear friend's civil union ceremony with him and his, wow!, 25 year partner! that brings even more tears to my eyes!

and
delightful!
thanks again!