8436-10 Urge Congress to Pass Uniting American Families Act

Home Browse Search

RESOLUTION NO. $436-10 BY. Antonio, Bullock, Butler, Madigan, Powers, Smith, Summers. AN EMERGENCY RESOLUTION urging Congress to pass the Uniting American Families Act and supporting the removal of legal barriers to immigration by permanent same-gender partners. WHEREAS, every American is entitled to equal protection under the law; and WHEREAS, the U.S. immigration system is largely based upon the principle of family unification; and WHEREAS, the City of Lakewood celebrates and respects all immigrant groups and all families, including those ofsame-gender gay and lesbian partners; and WHEREAS, Federal law does not currently recognize permanent same-gender partners for immigration purposes; and WHEREAS, this results in thousands of United States citizens being forced into exile to be with foreign-born partners, causing unnecessary hardship, separation from family members and careers, and loss of valuable skills and resources for our country; and WHEREAS, it is estimated some 36,000 gay and lesbian American citizens are in same-gender bi-national relationships and. are affected by lack of rights and protections of their relationships at the federal level; and WHEREAS, The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) was introduced in Congress on February 12, 2009 by Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Representative Jerrod Nadler (D-NY) to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act and allow U.S. immigration law by adding three words - "or permanent partner" -wherever the word spouse appears; and WHEREAS, the City of Lakewood fully supports the measures of Congress to allow gay and lesbian partners to access immigration benefits in an equal and fair manner, equivalent to opposite gender partners who currently enjoy such legal rights; and WHEREAS, this resolution constitutes an emergency measure for the immediate preservation of public peace, property, health or safety, now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, STATE OF OHIO: