Res. No. 1720
Title
Resolution urging the United States Congress to pass the Permanent Partners Immigration Act (formerly HR 3650), which would amend the United States Immigration and Nationality Act to allow United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their same sex partners for residence in the United States so that the principle of family unification may be fairly applied and the sanctity of the family protected.
Body
By Council Members Lopez, Carrion, Clarke, DiBrienza, Eldridge, Freed, Linares, Marshall, Miller, Moskowitz, Perkins, Quinn, Reed, Sabini, Warden, Eisland, Fisher, Henry, Koslowitz, Michels, Rodriguez, Watkins and The Public Advocate (Mr. Green); also Council Members Espada, Harrison, Pinkett, Robinson, Robles and White
Whereas, The principle of "family unification", which holds that United States citizens are entitled to sponsor family members for immigration in the United States of America, is a sacred cornerstone of United States immigration law that is meant to protect the sanctity of the family; and
Whereas, Lesbian and gay Americans are now cruelly prevented from sponsoring their foreign partners for immigration to the United States, no mater how long or dedicated their relationship may be; and
Whereas, The United States has fallen behind its international peers--some of the world's strongest democracies--such as Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Sweden and the United Kingdom, all of which recognize the rights of their citizens to sponsor same sex partners for immigration; and
Whereas, Consequently, thousands of same sex couples are forced to live apart or in a state of constant fear of deportation, even if they are raising children together, own property together or have been together for years in a relationship acknowledged as dedicated and loving by their communities; and
Whereas, The Permanent Partners Immigration Act, is a bill that is currently pending in the United States House of Representatives; and
Whereas, The Permanent Partners Immigration Act would provide a mechanism for United States citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their same sex partners residence in the United States; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York urges the United States Congress to pass the Permanent Partners Immigration Act (formerly HR 3650), which would amend the United States Immigration and Nationality Act to allow United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to sponsor their same sex partners for residence in the United States so that the principle of family unification may be fairly applied and the sanctity of the family protected.
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L.S. # 3300
1/21/01
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