Love Sees No Borders - PPIA California Resolution Passes Assembly

Same-Sex Immigration Resolution Passed in California Assembly
Historic Resolution Supports Equality in Immigration Laws

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUNNYVALE, Calif., June 24, 2004 - Love Sees No Borders, an educational organization focused on raising awareness of the plight of same-sex binational couples and their fight to remain together, today hailed the passage of Assembly Joint Resolution 60 by the California State Assembly. The resolution, in support of the federal Permanent Partners Immigration Act (PPIA, H.R. 832/S. 1510), and authored by Assemblywoman Sally Lieber (D-22), will now go to the California State Senate.

"The passage of this resolution by the Assembly comes at a great time for same-sex binational couples across the country," said Leslie Bulbuk co-founder of Love Sees No Borders. "As the marriage movement gains steam, the Defense of Marriage Act remains a tremendous barrier for couples because immigration law is under federal jurisdiction. Passage of the PPIA would grant these couples the only federal benefit that allows them to just remain together. For many, waiting for a legal challenge to current federal law is not the solution, and this is why today's action by the California Assembly is so significant."

The PPIA would add the words "or permanent partner" every time the word "spouse" appears in immigration law. Permanent partners would face the same stringent requirements faced by heterosexual spouses. In addition, the PPIA defines a permanent partner as an individual over 18 years of age who is:
(a) in a committed, intimate relationship with another adult 18 or older in which both parties intend a lifelong commitment;
(b) financially interdependent with that other person;
(c) not married to, or in a permanent partnership with, anyone other than that other person; and
(d) unable to contract with that person a marriage cognizable under the Immigration and Nationality Act, and
(e) not a blood relative of the sponsoring partner.

The resolution now moves to the State Senate, where it is likely to be heard in committee before it goes to the Senate floor for a vote. If approved, it will then be sent to the President's office, as well as to the leadership both houses of Congress and to the California congressional delegation, and will be the strongest stand any state has ever taken on this issue.

"The issues of immigration and the rights of same-sex couples are not always linked, and many times are dodged by political leaders and society," said Marta Donayre, co-founder of Love Sees No Borders. "We are proud to see the leadership coming from the California State Assembly on this important measure. We are also very thankful to Assemblywoman Lieber for introducing the resolution at our request, and to Equality California for sponsoring it."

About Love Sees No Borders

Love Sees No Borders is an organization dedicated to promoting awareness of the plight of same-sex binational couples in the United States. Our work includes media outreach, public speaking and other educational activities. For more information about the organization and how to support our efforts through a donation, please visit www.loveseesnoborders.org.