Background info: My partner is from the UK and here on a limited visa. Because she isn't eligible for a green card, and because we can't just marry (federal law doesn't recognize same sex marriage, domestic partnerships or civil unions), we will most likely be leaving the country when her visa expires.
I recently wrote to Nancy Pelosi urging her to support and sign on as a co-sponsor to the Uniting American Families Act, which would allow the US citizen half of same sex couples to sponsor their partners for residency. This is her reply:
Dear Heather:
Thank you for contacting me to express your views on H.R. 1024, the Uniting American Families Act of 2009. I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.
H.R. 1024, introduced by Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), would amend federal immigration laws to eliminate discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status. On February 12, 2009, the bill was referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. No further action has been taken. Please be assured that I will keep your comments in mind should H.R. 1024 come before the full House of Representatives.
Currently, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) allows U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents to sponsor their spouses for immigration into the United States. Under federal law, same sex couples currently do not have the same right to sponsor their same-sex partners under INA. H.R. 1024 would address this injustice and allow same-sex partners to be united legally through the immigration process. H.R. 1024 would add the term "permanent partner" to the INA's definition of family members, thereby allowing same-sex partners of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to be eligible for green cards and immigrant visas.
Our immigration laws should protect against, not institutionalize, discrimination. Since I entered Congress 20 years ago, I have fought for non-discrimination and other protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. I will continue to fight against discrimination and for policies that reflect the ideals of fairness, equality and justice. Please be assured that I will keep your comments in mind should H.R. 1024 come before the full House of Representatives.
Thank you again for contacting me on this important issue. I hope you will continue to communicate with me on matters of concern to you. For more information on this or other issues affecting our city and our nation, please visit my web site at www.house.gov/pelosi or sign up to receive email updates at www.house.gov/pelosi/IMA/subscribe.html.
I of course plan on writing a response to this. My first impression is that her reply is pretty much completely noncommittal. I appreciate her commitment to our issues and "policies that reflect the ideals of fairness, equality and justice." But lip service without action is not going to help me stay in the country with my partner. Repealing DOMA (seems highly unlikely right now) or passing the UAFA (slightly more likely) are the only things that can help me.
I don't want her to "keep my comments in mind should H.R. 1024 come before the full House of Representatives." I want her to get her butt in gear and tell us what's she going to do. So, dear readers, what would you say in response to this, were you in my position?