Faces of UAFA

Back in March, Sen John Kerry wrote about the plight of a bi-national couple, Tim Coco and his husband Genesio "Junior" Oliveira. Shortly after, many major news outlets carried the story of Shirley Tan, a lesbian mother about to be deported because her partner is unable to sponsor her for permanent residence despite their bona fide relationship. With the help of Sen Diane Feinstein, Shirley will be able to stay through 2010, a happier albeit short-term ending compared to Tim and Junior, who are forced to live apart.

I also found out the story of Britta, who is currently detained by ICE. Her partner Carla is working frantically to help her avoid deportation. However, Britta faces the same dilemma as Junior and Shirley before her: because her relationship is not recognized by the Federal Government, the only case she can make for immigration is political asylum, which is extremely difficult if not impossible since she's from Germany, a country that is fairly progressive on LGBT issues.

These stories demonstrate the urgency for gay immigration right because thousands of gay couples are struggling with this issue every day. For many of us, the clock is ticking or has already run out.

We need equal immigration rights NOW.