Carlos Santoscoy highlights one section of Reid's immigration proposal:
The measure would allow gay Americans to sponsor an immigrant partner for citizenship.
“Today's inclusive framework is an historic step forward for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender binational families,” Rachel B. Tiven, executive director of Immigration Equality, a group that lobbies on behalf of binational gay and lesbian couples, said in a statement.
It is a huge deal for gay and lesbian rights. And it's a testimony to the great work of Immigration Equality (on whose board I sit). Thanks to Senator Schumer as well. No other major Western democracy treats gay couples as strangers to one another in immigration the way the US does. If Aaron and I were to move to Britain our relationship alone would give him "permanent leave to remain" in the lovely phrase of Britain's immigration services. Here? We have been warned not to travel together in entering America. A stable relationship with an American citizen will make you more likely to be subjected to scrutiny from border guards.
If you care about this, please get involved. Immigration Equality's website is here. We need your help and support and money.