Nadler reintroduces immigration bill

Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) reintroduced a bill in Congress Wednesday that would allow gay and lesbian U.S. citizens to sponsor their partners for permanent residence in the United States. The Permanent Partners Immigration Act would change current policy, which does not recognize gay and lesbian relationships and prevents immigrant partners of gay and lesbian citizens from staying in the country. “I think introducing a bill which aims to keep loving and committed relationships together is a perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day,” said Nadler. “Why should we allow the government to tear apart committed and loving couples just because of who they love? The answer is that there is no excuse for this gratuitous cruelty, and my bill would correct that.” “Gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender families need the same level of government recognition and support as any other family,” said Elizabeth Toledo, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. “This bill will unite families and amend laws that have torn apart caring, committed couples across borders.” Nadler introduced the bill in the last Congress, but it was not voted on.