City Bar Supports Immigration Equality for Same-Sex Permanent Partners; Asks Respect for NY Marriage Laws

In a letter to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, dated May 15th, the New York City Bar Association, through four of its Committees, urges the Senate to provide equality in immigration reform for same-sex spouses and permanent partners. Although the Senate Judiciary Committee declined to do so in the bill it forwarded, the City Bar reiterates its longstanding support, in any House or Senate immigration reform legislation, for family reunification that equally recognizes same-sex spouses and permanent partners. The May 15th letter specifically urges the adoption of Senator Patrick Leahy’s Amendments 6 and 7 to the “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act” (S. 744).  These Amendments echo the “Uniting American Families Act” (H.R. 519), which New York Representative Jerrold Nadler introduced in the House with 130 co-sponsors in 2012. Lenni Benson, Chair of the City Bar’s Immigration and Nationality Law Committee, said, “Today, because immigration laws do not recognize committed same-sex spouses nor permanent partnerships, thousands of American families are cruelly kept apart. We ask that federal immigration law respect our New York state law and the laws of other states that recognize same sex marriage.” The City Bar supports the Leahy Amendments for reasons of both equality and economics. “We urge the adoption of Sen. Leahy’s Amendments 6 and 7, and the passage of S. 744 generally, to provide long-overdue recognition of the diversity of families and the fundamental rights of individuals in committed marriages and permanent partnerships,” states the letter. “Moreover, these amendments have economic benefit, in encouraging all U.S. citizens and residents to live and work in America….In our global economy, we should not disadvantage U.S. residents and their partners from seeking opportunities, abroad or at home.” In addition to supporting immigration equality for same-sex partnerships, the City Bar supports appointed counsel and reduced detention in any comprehensive immigration reform. The May 15th letter was signed by the Chairs of the City Bar Committees on Immigration and Nationality Law, Sex and the Law, LGBT Rights, and Civil Rights. The May 15th letter can be read here: http://bit.ly/1222JNV The Leahy Amendments to S. 744 can be read at the following links: Amendment 6: http://1.usa.gov/Z3B0bw Amendment 7: http://1.usa.gov/12QFTVW