Sen. Collins Joins UAFA
September 19, 2012 by Josh King, Senior Public Policy Advocate
Today, Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) became the first Republican senator to co-sponsor the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA). She joins a chorus of other senators that know keeping families together is a goal worth fighting for. UAFA allows lesbian and gay individuals the same opportunity as different-sex, married couples to sponsor their spouse or partner for citizenship purposes. Under current law, same-sex, bi-national couples are forced to make the decision to either leave the country they love or divide their family. Sen. Collins is also a co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, and the Tax Parity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act.
“This legislation would simply update our nation’s immigration laws to treat bi-national couples equally,” said Senator Susan Collins. “More than two dozen countries recognize same-sex couples for immigration purposes. This important civil rights legislation would help prevent committed, loving families from being forced to choose between leaving their family or leaving their country.”
Additionally, Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) recently joined as co-sponsors. In the House there have also been additional co-sponsors added including Reps. Chris Van Hollen (MD-8), Eddie Bernice Johnson (TX-30) and Ron Kind (WI-3).
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