FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 29, 2001 - Love Sees No Borders, the recently established organization focused on raising awareness of the plight of same-sex binational couples and their fight to remain together, today calls on democrats and republicans to follow President Gerald Ford's leadership in recognizing the need for equal rights for gays and lesbians, which include immigration rights.

"Recently we urged Congress to pass the PPIA because a large group of people need it now more than ever," said Leslie Bulbuk of Love Sees No Borders. "President's Ford's words and conviction are a reminder that regardless of party ideology, doing the right thing is what has motivated and still motivates public policy. Passing the PPIA is a wonderful opportunity this country has to show that indeed it believes that all its citizens are created equal."

In an interview by Detroit News columnist Deb Price published today, Pres. Ford expresses his opinions regarding same-sex rights as "I think they ought to be treated equally. Period." Currently it is estimated that over 100,000 same-sex binational families are threatened because they are not granted the same immigration rights granted to opposite-sex families. The vast majority of these families rely on student visas and work visas, and some are forced to engage in irregular activities such as sham marriages and overstaying visas. With the recent tightening and increased scrutiny of foreigners because of the Sept. 11 attacks, these families are exposed to cruel and unnecessary separation more than ever. The Permanent Partners Immigration Act, H.R. 690, would provide same-sex binational families the same immigration rights opposite-sex families enjoy. The bill simply adds the words "or permanent partner" next to the word "spouse" on the Immigration and Nationality Act.

"The Republican Platform is based on the family, and family values are also a cornerstone for democrats," said Marta Donayre of Love Sees No Borders. "We congratulate President Ford for speaking out the disparity witnessed in our society, which the economic downturn and increased scrutiny create an environment of fear and uncertainly primarily to same-sex binational couples."

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.

Note to Editors: Leslie Bulbuk is a woman.
Copyright ©2002 Love Sees No Borders