GOP balks at LGBT protections in immigration reform

Ianus · 03-19-2013, 02:26 PM

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/28...gration-reform

Quote:

Republicans are refusing to cede ground in their opposition to benefits for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) immigrants as part of efforts to get comprehensive reforms passed this year, said Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.).

Behind President Obama, Democrats and human rights advocates have lobbied for LGBT couples to have the same rights as other couples under the nation's immigration laws, for the sake of keeping families united.

But Gutierrez, while he's pushing for those benefits to be included in the package, conceded Tuesday that he hasn't convinced anyone across the aisle to get on board.

"I can tell you that there is broad support [generally], … but I can't say that I have reached any bipartisan [agreement]," Gutierrez, Capitol Hill's most vocal advocate for immigration reform, said at a breakfast in Washington sponsored by the Christian Science Monitor.

Gutierrez noted that no final legislation has emerged from the bipartisan negotiations on the issue, and suggested that there's still time for Democrats to work the LGBT language into the package.

"It's an issue we're still grappling with," he said. "I don't think we should simply discard it."

But asked directly if any Republicans have been open to the idea, Gutierrez gave a dejected, "No."

Because federal law does not recognize LGBT couples as legitimate families, same-sex couples of dual nationality are not offered the same protections granted to heterosexual couples during deportation proceedings.

Democrats in both chambers are pushing to address that issue. A bill introduced last month by Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) would empower LGBT American citizens to sponsor visas granting legal residency for their partners, a right they don't currently have.

“Our Constitution guarantees that no class of people will be singled out for differential treatment – and LGBT Americans must not be excluded from that guarantee," Nadler said at the time. "Moreover, any serious legislative proposal for comprehensive immigration reform absolutely must include gay and lesbian couples and their families."

Gutierrez said Tuesday that he's "hopeful" an immigration reform bill will emerge from the bipartisan talks not long after Congress returns next month from the Easter recess.

"We are under a time pressure to resolve this issue because the moment is politically ripe," he said. "The further, I believe, we get away from Election Day – Nov. 6 of 2012 – the less urgency there will be, and the less likelihood of success."

Sonawabich · 03-19-2013, 02:49 PM

LBGT people fight your own battle.

Don't be a CIR-block

j83 · 03-19-2013, 02:52 PM

LGBT will have their right perhaps even before CIR becomes a reality.
SCOTUS is expected to strike down DOMA in June

IamAman · 03-19-2013, 03:52 PM

That's a different battle and they have had a lot more things pass in their favor lately. Immigration hasn't changed since 1986 (unless you count changing for worse). Pass CIR, then any laws that pass for LBGT will also work on CIR.

4look4rd · 03-19-2013, 04:09 PM

This is why I hate the LGBT movement. They are extremely militant and won't compromise.

I take the libertarian point of view on gay marriage. It shouldn't be up to the government to define a romantic relationship between two adults, the LGBT movement should be fighting for a ban on marriage all types of marriage.

Task_1539 · 03-19-2013, 06:00 PM

Though I have nothing against the LGBT community, LGBT issues are something best left to the courts.

cufnc · 03-20-2013, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4look4rd

This is why I hate the LGBT movement. They are extremely militant and won't compromise.

Yeah, and as a gay dreamer, I am thankful for that. If our movement backed down all the time, we would get nothing done.

But j83 is right, DOMA will probably go down before Congress even considers CIR.

IamAman · 03-20-2013, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cufnc

Yeah, and as a gay dreamer, I am thankful for that. If our movement backed down all the time, we would get nothing done.

But j83 is right, DOMA will probably go down before Congress even considers CIR.

I don't hate the movement. I have gay friends and even go to pride parades and want them to have the same rights but again, immigration reform has been on hold for almost 3 decades. In the last few years, several states have gay marriage, "don't ask, don't tell" is gone, and overall the tide has turned and it's a matter of time before it's all history. I don't think it's right for them to hold up immigration reform because it doesn't fit their agenda 100% .

Juan92 · 03-21-2013, 08:36 PM

CIR-block haha jk
but i don't see what the LBGT community has to do with CIR, can someone explain?

chocolatedrop · 03-22-2013, 12:26 PM

Ok let's say DOMA ISN'T STRUCK DOWN then what? .... even the Hispanic immigration groups what this included in CIR so now what..

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GOP balks at LGBT protections in immigration reform