Main | Friday, June 15, 2012

LIVE VIDEO: Obama To Announce Change In Youth Immigration Policy

The speech is scheduled to start any minute now.


RELATED: Lambda Legal has issued a response.
"This is great news for millions of young people who will no longer live under the threat of being removed to countries where they may not ever have lived or even speak the language. Many of them openly identify as LGBT, and their work and activism shows the movement for immigrants' rights is inextricably intertwined with the LGBT struggle for equality. In fact, there is an indissoluble link between the struggle for immigrants' rights and the fight for LGBT equality, because the LGBT community encompasses not only binational same-sex couples and LGBT asylum-seekers, but also undocumented LGBT immigrants who are often trapped in a 'double closet.' Many of these young people have already contributed to our country in significant ways. They should not be deported to countries, where they may be at imminent risk of persecution on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

"Although this is a step in the right direction, the new policy does not change the legal landscape for most LGBT immigrants. Because of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), binational same-sex couples are still unfairly denied the opportunity,afforded to different-sex couples, to request immigration protection and relief for a foreign-born spouse. DOMA is unconstitutional and should be repealed. We also need comprehensive immigration reform that is fair to everyone, and inclusive of LGBT immigrants and their families."

Labels: , ,

comments powered by Disqus

<<Home