Love Sees No Borders - PPIA California Resolution

Same-Sex Immigration Resolution Introduced in California Assembly
Love Sees No Borders Hails Assemblywoman Sally Lieber for Leadership

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Feb. 05, 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 announced the introduction of a California State Assembly Concurrent Resolution in support of the federal Permanent Partners Immigration Act (PPIA, H.R. 832/S.1510). Assemblywoman Sally J. Lieber (D-A22) introduced the resolution.

When enacted, the PPIA would allow American citizens or legal permanent residents to sponsor a same-sex foreign partner for immigration purposes. The bill would modify the Immigration and Nationality Act (U.S. immigration law) by adding the words "or permanent partner" each time the word "spouse" appears in the Act. The bill also narrowly defines a permanent partner as someone over the age of 18 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.

"Denying any family the right to simply be together is immoral and wrong. It is cruel to perpetuate this senseless suffering," said Assemblywoman Lieber. "I am glad to have worked with Love Sees No Borders in bringing this resolution forth, and to do what I can to provide all Americans a fair shot at their pursuit of happiness, be these Americans gay or straight."

"We admire Assemblywoman Lieber's leadership in this area," said Marta Donayre, co-founder of Love Sees No Borders. "When passed, her resolution will send a clear message that California does not tolerate this type of discrimination. Love Sees No Borders is honored to have worked with her and her staff on this issue."

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.