A Nation of Immigrants

A week and a half ago, I had the privilege of meeting with members of the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition and staffers of Maine Senator Angus King. We were asked to share our personal immigration stories, urging the Senator to support reform. 

By the time it was my turn, I was in tears. I apologized to the small group gathered who have been separated from their families, put in jail and denied basic benefits while seeking asylum in our country. Their stories made me aware of many things: I am white, I am an American citizen, I am safe and I have plenty. 

But still, I was there to tell my story.

My partner, Trish, is a Canadian citizen. We met and fell in love almost two years ago. We want to marry here in Maine and start a family here. However, under the Defense of Marriage Act, our Maine marriage would not be recognized by our federal government. Because of that, I cannot sponsor Trish as my spouse for immigration. Sadly, same-sex bi-national couples were not included in the immigration reform bill introduced last month. Even sadder still, some couples in situations like Trish and I are much worse off. They are separated from their children or, even worse, one of them lives in a country where it is illegal or unsafe to be openly gay. 

But still, we want immigration reform now. We want to be included. We want to stop putting our lives on hold. I want to stop feeling like I have to choose between the person I love and the country I love. 

Senator King signed on as a co-sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act two days after the meeting. This bill, also sponsored by Senator Collins, would allow same-sex bi-national couples to be eligible to sponsor their spouse for immigration. Though it is currently a separate bill, this important piece of legislation would mean immigration reform for my community - and for Trish and I. 

We're all thankful for Senator King's response. We encourage folks to reach out to him to let him know how you feel about immigration issues. He's clearly listening.