FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 02, 2005 -- 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 New Zealand for normalizing immigration procedures for same-sex couples. The new law removes the two-year waiting period for same-sex couples, making rules for all couples equal.

“Many countries provide immigration benefits for same-sex couples, but under different rules than those for heterosexuals,” said Marta Donayre, Love Sees No Borders co-founder. “New Zealand is leading the way in treating all couples with the dignity they deserve and not subjecting some to an unequal system.”

Many countries around the world are expanding their benefits to same-sex couples in order to comply with international human rights covenants. Yet in most cases, immigration rules apply differently for same-sex and opposite sex couples. In New Zealand’s case, same-sex couples were subjected to a two-year waiting period while opposite-sex couples waited for only one year. On April 26, the Civil Union Act took effect in the country, prompting the end of immigration discrimination. Additionally, HIV status is not included as a determining factor in the immigration process.

“What we are experiencing here is a reminder that the U.S. does not provide equality for its minorities,” said Leslie Bulbuk, co-founder of Love Sees No Borders. “New Zealand has resolved to treat all its citizens equally, whereas the U.S. openly discriminates and stigmatizes same-sex binational couples.”

Currently, most English-speaking countries -- other than the U.S. -- provide immigration equality to their citizens. Because same-sex couples are denied immigration benefits in the U.S., these couples are often stigmatized by immigration authorities. Immigration officers are well aware of the couples’ lack of rights and immediately tag foreigners as “overstay risks.” Couples have been denied visas abroad, and those who live in the U.S. fear they may be asked to leave. In addition, the U.S. bans immigration of HIV-positive individuals regardless of where the virus was contracted, creating an additional hurdle to some couples.

Currently 16 countries have laws that allow citizens to sponsor a same-sex foreign partner for immigration. These are Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

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, coalition building, and other educational activities. For more information about the organization and how to support our efforts through a donation, please visit www.loveseesnoborders.org.

Note to Editors: Leslie Bulbuk is a woman

Copyright ©2005 Love Sees No Borders