[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 116 (Thursday, July 31, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10632-S10634]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. LEAHY (for himself, Mr. Jeffords, Mr. Feingold, Mr. 
        Kennedy, Mr. Kerry, and Mr. Dayton):
  S. 1510. A bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to 
provide a mechanism for United States citizens and lawful permanent 
residents to sponsor their permanent partners for resident in the 
United States, and for other purposes; to the Committee on the 
Judiciary.
  Mr. LEAHY. Today I am introducing the Permanent Partners Immigration 
Act, a Senate companion to legislation that Representative Nadler of 
New York has introduced in the House for each of the last three 
Congresses. This legislation would allow U.S. citizens and legal 
permanent residents to petition for their foreign same-sex partners to 
come to the United States under our family immigration system. I am 
pleased to be joined in introducing this bill by Senators Jeffords, 
Feingold, Kennedy, and Kerry.
  Under current law, committed partners of Americans are unable to use 
the family immigration system, which accounts for about 75 percent of 
the green cards and immigrant visas granted annually by the United 
States. As a result, gay Americans who are in this situation must live 
apart from their partners, or leave the country if they want to live 
legally and permanently with them.
  This bill rectifies that situation, while retaining strong 
prohibitions against fraud. To qualify as a permanent partner, 
petitioners must prove that they are at least 18 and in a committed, 
intimate relationship with another adult in which both parties intend a 
lifelong commitment, and are financially interdependent with one's 
partner. They must also prove that they are not married to, or in a 
permanent partnership with, anyone other than that person, and are 
unable to contract with that person a marriage cognizable under the 
Immigration and Nationality Act. Proof could include sworn affidavits 
from friends and family and documentation of financial interdependence. 
Penalties for fraud would be the same as penalties for marriage fraud--
up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines for the U.S. citizen 
partner, and deportation for the alien partner.
  There are Vermonters who are involved in permanent partnerships with 
foreign nationals and who have felt abandoned by our laws in this area. 
This bill would allow them--and other gay and lesbian Americans 
throughout our Nation who have come to feel that our immigration laws 
are discriminatory--to be a fuller part of our society.
  The idea that immigration benefits should be extended to same-sex 
couples has become increasingly prevalent around the world. Indeed, 
fifteen nations Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, 
Germany, Iceland, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South 
Africa, Sweden and the United Kingdom--recognize same-sex couples for 
immigration purposes.
  Our immigration laws treat gays and lesbians in committed 
relationships as second-class citizens, and that needs to change. It is 
the right thing to do for the people involved, it is the sensible step 
to take in the interest of having a fair and consistent policy, and I 
hope that the Senate will act.
  There being no objection, the bill was ordered to be printed in the 
Record, as follows:

                                S. 1510

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; AMENDMENTS TO IMMIGRATION AND 
                   NATIONALITY ACT.

       (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Permanent 
     Partners Immigration Act of 2003''.
       (b) Amendments to Immigration and Nationality Act.--Except 
     as otherwise specifically provided whenever in this Act an 
     amendment or repeal is expressed as the amendment or repeal 
     of a section or other provision, the reference shall be 
     considered to be made to that section or provision in the 
     Immigration and Nationality Act.

     SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS.

       Section 101(a) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (15)(K)(ii), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partnership'' after ``marriage''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(51) The term `permanent partner' means an individual 18 
     years of age or older who--
       ``(A) is in a committed, intimate relationship with another 
     individual 18 years of age or older in which both parties 
     intend a lifelong commitment;
       ``(B) is financially interdependent with that other 
     individual;
       ``(C) is not married to or in a permanent partnership with 
     anyone other than that other individual;
       ``(D) is unable to contract with that other individual a 
     marriage cognizable under this Act; and
       ``(E) is not a first, second, or third degree blood 
     relation of that other individual.
       ``(52) The term `permanent partnership' means the 
     relationship that exists between two permanent partners.''.

     SEC. 3. WORLDWIDE LEVEL OF IMMIGRATION.

       Section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) (8 U.S.C. 1151(b)(2)(A)(i)) is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``permanent partners,'' after 
     ``spouses,'';
       (2) by inserting ``or permanent partner'' after ``spouse'' 
     each place such term appears; and
       (3) by striking ``remarries.'' and inserting ``remarries or 
     enters a permanent partnership with another person.''.

     SEC. 4. NUMERICAL LIMITATIONS ON INDIVIDUAL FOREIGN STATES.

       (a) Per Country Levels.--Section 202(a)(4) (8 U.S.C. 
     1152(a)(4)) is amended--
       (1) in the heading, by inserting ``, permanent partners,'' 
     after ``spouses'';
       (2) in subparagraph (A), in the heading by inserting ``, 
     permanent partners,'' after ``spouses''; and
       (3) in subparagraph (C), in the heading by inserting 
     ``without permanent partners'' after ``daughters''.
       (b) Rules for Chargeability.--Section 202(b)(2) (8 U.S.C. 
     1152(b)(2)) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``or permanent partner'' after ``spouse'' 
     each place such term appears; and
       (2) by inserting ``or permanent partners'' after ``husband 
     and wife''.

     SEC. 5. ALLOCATION OF IMMIGRANT VISAS.

       (a) Preference Allocation for Family Members of Permanent 
     Resident Aliens.--Section 203(a)(2) (8 U.S.C. 1153(a)(2)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the heading--
       (A) by striking ``and'' after ``Spouses'' and inserting ``, 
     permanent partners,''; and
       (B) by inserting ``without permanent partners'' after 
     ``sons'' and after ``daughters''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (A)--
       (A) by inserting ``, permanent partners,'' after 
     ``spouses''; and
       (B) by inserting ``without permanent partners'' after 
     ``sons'' and after ``daughters''.
       (b) Preference Allocation for Sons and Daughters of 
     Citizens.--Section 203(a)(3) (8 U.S.C. 1153(a)(3)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the heading, by inserting ``and daughters and sons 
     with permanent partners'' after ``daughters''; and
       (2) by inserting ``or daughters or sons with permanent 
     partners'' after ``daughters''.
       (c) Employment Creation.--Section 203(b)(5)(A)(ii) (8 
     U.S.C. 1153(b)(5)(A)(ii)) is

[[Page S10633]]

     amended by inserting ``permanent partner,'' after 
     ``spouse,''.
       (d) Treatment of Family Members.--Section 203(d) (8 U.S.C. 
     1153(d)) is amended by inserting ``, permanent partner,'' 
     after ``spouse'' each place such term appears.

     SEC. 6. PROCEDURE FOR GRANTING IMMIGRANT STATUS.

       (a) Classification Petitions.--Section 204(a)(1) (8 U.S.C. 
     1154(a)(1)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A)(ii), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partner'' after ``spouse'';
       (2) in subparagraph (A)(iii)--
       (A) by inserting ``or permanent partner'' after ``spouse'' 
     each place such term appears; and
       (B) in subclause (I), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partnership'' after ``marriage'' each place such term 
     appears; and
       (3) in subparagraph (B)--
       (A) by inserting ``or permanent partner'' after ``spouse'' 
     each place such term appears; and
       (B) by inserting ``or permanent partnership'' after 
     ``marriage'' each place such term appears.
       (b) Immigration Fraud Prevention.--Section 204(c) (8 U.S.C. 
     1154(c)) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``or permanent partner'' after ``spouse'' 
     each place such term appears; and
       (2) by inserting ``or permanent partnership'' after 
     ``marriage'' each place such term appears.

     SEC. 7. ANNUAL ADMISSION OF REFUGEES AND ADMISSION OF 
                   EMERGENCY SITUATION REFUGEES.

       Section 207(c) (8 U.S.C. 1157(c)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) by inserting ``, permanent partner,'' after ``spouse'' 
     each place such term appears; and
       (B) by inserting ``, permanent partner's,'' after 
     ``spouse's''; and
       (2) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, permanent partner,'' 
     after ``spouse''.

     SEC. 8. ASYLUM.

       Section 208(b)(3) (8 U.S.C. 1158(b)(3)) is amended--
       (1) in the heading, by inserting ``or permanent partner'' 
     after ``spouse''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, permanent 
     partner,'' after ``spouse''.

     SEC. 9. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS OF REFUGEES.

       Section 209(b)(3) (8 U.S.C. 1159(b)(3)) is amended by 
     inserting ``, permanent partner,'' after ``spouse''.

     SEC. 10. INADMISSIBLE ALIENS.

       (a) Classes of Aliens Ineligible for Visas or Admission.--
     Section 212(a) (8 U.S.C. 1182(a)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (3)(D)(iv), by inserting ``permanent 
     partner,'' after ``spouse,'' each place such term appears;
       (2) in paragraph (4)(C)(i)(I), by inserting ``, permanent 
     partner,'' after ``spouse'';
       (3) in paragraph (6)(E)(ii), by inserting ``permanent 
     partner,'' after ``spouse,'' each place such term appears; 
     and
       (4) in paragraph (9)(B)(v), by inserting ``, permanent 
     partner,'' after ``spouse'' each place such term appears.
       (b) Waivers.--Section 212(d) (8 U.S.C. 1182(d)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (11), by inserting ``permanent partner,'' 
     after ``spouse,''; and
       (2) in paragraph (12), by inserting ``, permanent 
     partner,'' after ``spouse''.
       (c) Waivers of Inadmissibility on Health-Related Grounds.--
     Section 212(g)(1)(A) (8 U.S.C. 1182(g)(1)(A)) is amended by 
     inserting ``, permanent partner,'' after ``spouse''.
       (d) Waivers of Inadmissibility on Criminal and Related 
     Grounds.--Section 212(h)(1)(B) (8 U.S.C. 1182(h)(1)(B)) is 
     amended by inserting ``permanent partner,'' after ``spouse,'' 
     each place such term appears.
       (e) Waiver of Inadmissibility for Misrepresentation.--
     Section 212(i)(1) (8 U.S.C. 1182(i)(1)) is amended--
       (1) by inserting ``permanent partner,'' after ``spouse,''; 
     and
       (2) by inserting ``, permanent partner,'' after ``resident 
     spouse''.

     SEC. 11. NONIMMIGRANT STATUS FOR PERMANENT PARTNERS AWAITING 
                   THE AVAILABILITY OF AN IMMIGRANT VISA.

       Section 214 (8 U.S.C. 1184) is amended--
       (1) by redesignating subsections (o) and (p) as added by 
     sections 1102(b) and 1103(b), respectively, of the 
     Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, 
     and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2001, as enacted 
     into law by section 1(a)(2) of P.L. 106-553, as subsections 
     (p) and (q), respectively; and
       (2) in subsection (q) (as so redesignated)--
       (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or permanent partner'' 
     after ``spouse''; and
       (B) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partnership'' after ``marriage'' each place such term 
     appears.

     SEC. 12. CONDITIONAL PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS FOR CERTAIN 
                   ALIEN SPOUSES, PERMANENT PARTNERS, AND SONS AND 
                   DAUGHTERS.

       (a) Section Heading.--
       (1) In general.--The section heading for section 216 (8 
     U.S.C. 1186a) is amended by inserting ``and permanent 
     partners'' after ``spouses''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents is amended 
     by amending the item relating to section 216 to read as 
     follows:

``Sec. 216. Conditional permanent resident status for certain alien 
              spouses and permanent partners and sons and daughters.''.

       (b) In General.--Section 216(a) (8 U.S.C. 1186a(a)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or permanent partner'' 
     after ``spouse'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)(A), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partner'' after ``spouse'';
       (3) in paragraph (2)(B), by inserting ``permanent 
     partner,'' after ``spouse,''; and
       (4) in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting ``permanent 
     partner,'' after ``spouse,''.
       (c) Termination of Status if Finding that Qualifying 
     Marriage Improper.--Section 216(b) (8 U.S.C. 1186a(b)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in the heading, by inserting ``or Permanent 
     Partnership'' after ``Marriage'';
       (2) in paragraph (1)(A), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partnership'' after ``marriage''; and
       (3) in paragraph (1)(A)(ii)--
       (A) by inserting ``or has ceased to satisfy the criteria 
     for being considered a permanent partnership under this 
     Act,'' after ``terminated,''; and
       (B) by inserting ``or permanent partner'' after ``spouse''.
       (d) Requirements of Timely Petition and Interview for 
     Removal of Condition.--Section 216(c) (8 U.S.C. 1186a(c)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraphs (1), (2)(A)(ii), (3)(A)(ii), (3)(C), 
     (4)(B), and (4)(C), by inserting ``or permanent partner'' 
     after ``spouse'' each place such term appears; and
       (2) in paragraph (3)(A), in the matter following clause 
     (ii), and in paragraphs (3)(D), (4)(B), and (4)(C), by 
     inserting ``or permanent partnership'' after ``marriage'' 
     each place such term appears.
       (e) Contents of Petition.--Section 216(d)(1) (8 U.S.C. 
     1186a(d)(1)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (A)--
       (A) in the heading, by inserting ``or permanent 
     partnership'' after ``marriage'';
       (B) in clause (i)--
       (i) in the matter preceding subclause (I), by inserting 
     ``or permanent partnership'' after ``marriage'';
       (ii) in subclause (I), by inserting before the comma at the 
     end ``, or is a permanent partnership recognized under this 
     Act''; and
       (iii) in subclause (II)--

       (I) by inserting ``or has not ceased to satisfy the 
     criteria for being considered a permanent partnership under 
     this Act,'' after ``terminated,''; and
       (II) by inserting ``or permanent partner'' after 
     ``spouse''; and

       (C) in clause (ii), by inserting ``or permanent partner'' 
     after ``spouse''; and
       (2) in subparagraph (B)(i)--
       (A) by inserting ``or permanent partnership'' after 
     ``marriage''; and
       (B) by inserting ``or permanent partner'' after ``spouse''.
       (e) Definitions.--Section 216(g) (8 U.S.C. 1186a(g)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) by inserting ``or permanent partner'' after ``spouse'' 
     each place such term appears; and
       (B) by inserting ``or permanent partnership'' after 
     ``marriage'' each place such term appears;
       (2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partnership'' after ``marriage'';
       (3) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partnership'' after ``marriage''; and
       (4) in paragraph (4)--
       (A) by inserting ``or permanent partner'' after ``spouse'' 
     each place such term appears; and
       (B) by inserting ``or permanent partnership'' after 
     ``marriage''.

     SEC. 13. CONDITIONAL PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS FOR CERTAIN 
                   ALIEN ENTREPRENEURS, SPOUSES, PERMANENT 
                   PARTNERS, AND CHILDREN.

       (a) Section Heading.--
       (1) In general.--Section 216A (8 U.S.C. 1186b) is amended 
     in the heading by inserting ``or permanent partners'' after 
     ``spouses''.
       (2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents is amended 
     by amending the item relating to section 216A to read as 
     follows:

``Sec. 216. Conditional permanent resident status for certain alien 
              entrepreneurs, spouses or permanent partners, and 
              children.''.

       (b) In General.--Section 216A(a) (8 U.S.C. 1186b(a)) is 
     amended, in paragraphs (1), (2)(A), (2)(B), and (2)(C), by 
     inserting ``or permanent partner'' after ``spouse'' each 
     place such term appears.
       (c) Termination of Status if Finding That Qualifying 
     Entrepreneurship Improper.--Section 216A(b)(1) (8 U.S.C. 
     1186b(b)(1)) is amended in the matter following subparagraph 
     (C), by inserting ``or permanent partner'' after ``spouse''.
       (d) Requirements of Timely Petition and Interview for 
     Removal of Condition.--Section 216A(c) (8 U.S.C. 1186b(c)) is 
     amended, in paragraphs (1), (2)(A)(ii), and (3)(C), by 
     inserting ``or permanent partner'' after ``spouse''.
       (e) Definitions.--Section 216A(f)(2) (8 U.S.C. 1186b(f)(2)) 
     is amended by inserting ``or permanent partner'' after 
     ``spouse'' each place such term appears.

     SEC. 14. DEPORTABLE ALIENS.

       (a) In General.--Section 237(a) (8 U.S.C. 1227(a)) is 
     amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)--
       (A) in subparagraph (D)(i), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partners'' after ``spouses'' each place such term appears;
       (B) in subparagraph (E)--
       (i) in clause (ii), by inserting ``or permanent partner'' 
     after ``spouse''; and
       (ii) in clause (iii), by inserting ``or permanent partner'' 
     after ``spouse'';
       (C) in subparagraph (H)(i)(I), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partner'' after ``spouse''; and
       (D) by adding at the end the following:

[[Page S10634]]

       ``(I) Permanent partnership fraud.--An alien shall be 
     considered to be deportable as having procured a visa or 
     other documentation by fraud (within the meaning of section 
     212(a)(6)(C)(i)) and to be in the United States in violation 
     of this Act (within the meaning of subparagraph (B)) if--
       ``(i) the alien obtains any admission to the United States 
     with an immigrant visa or other documentation procured on the 
     basis of a permanent partnership entered into less than 2 
     years prior to such admission and which, within 2 years 
     subsequent to such admission, is terminated because the 
     criteria for permanent partnership are no longer fulfilled, 
     unless the alien establishes to the satisfaction of the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security that such permanent 
     partnership was not contracted for the purpose of evading any 
     provisions of the immigration laws; or
       ``(ii) it appears to the satisfaction of the Secretary of 
     Homeland Security that the alien has failed or refused to 
     fulfill the alien's permanent partnership which in the 
     opinion of the Secretary of Homeland Security was made for 
     the purpose of procuring the alien's admission as an 
     immigrant.'';
       (2) in paragraph (2)(E)(i), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partner'' after ``spouse'' each place such term appears; and
       (3) in paragraph (3)(C)(ii), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partner'' after ``spouse'' each place such term appears.
       (b) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--Section 237(a) (8 
     U.S.C. 1227(a)) is amended by striking ``Attorney General'' 
     each place that term appears and inserting ``Secretary of 
     Homeland Security''.

     SEC. 15. REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS.

       Section 240(e)(1) (8 U.S.C. 1229a(e)(1)) is amended by 
     inserting ``permanent partner,'' after ``spouse,''.

     SEC. 16. CANCELLATION OF REMOVAL; ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS.

       Section 240A(b) (8 U.S.C. 1229b(b)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1)(D), by inserting ``permanent 
     partner,'' after ``spouse,''; and
       (2) in paragraph (2)--
       (A) in the heading, by inserting ``, permanent partner,'' 
     after ``spouse''; and
       (B) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``, permanent 
     partner,'' after ``spouse'' each place such term appears.

     SEC. 17. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS OF NONIMMIGRANT TO THAT OF 
                   PERSON ADMITTED FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE.

       (a) Prohibition on Adjustment of Status.--Section 245(d) (8 
     U.S.C. 1255(d)) is amended by inserting ``or permanent 
     partnership'' after ``marriage''.
       (b) Avoiding Immigration Fraud.--Section 245(e) (8 U.S.C. 
     1255(e)) is amended--
       (1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partnership'' after ``marriage''; and
       (2) by adding at the end the following:
       ``(4) Paragraph (1) and section 204(g) shall not apply with 
     respect to a permanent partnership if the alien establishes 
     by clear and convincing evidence to the satisfaction of the 
     Secretary of Homeland Security that the permanent partnership 
     was entered into in good faith and in accordance with section 
     101(a)(51) and the permanent partnership was not entered into 
     for the purpose of procuring the alien's admission as an 
     immigrant and no fee or other consideration was given (other 
     than a fee or other consideration to an attorney for 
     assistance in preparation of a lawful petition) for the 
     filing of a petition under section 204(a) or 214(d) with 
     respect to the alien permanent partner. In accordance with 
     regulations, there shall be only one level of administrative 
     appellate review for each alien under the previous 
     sentence.''.
       (c) Adjustment of Status for Certain Aliens Paying Fee.--
     Section 245(i)(1)(B) (8 U.S.C. 1255(i)(1)(B)) is amended by 
     inserting ``, permanent partner,'' after ``spouse''.
       (d) Informants.--Section 245(j) (8 U.S.C. 1255(j)) is 
     amended by inserting ``permanent partner,'' after ``spouse,'' 
     each place such term appears.
       (e) Technical and Conforming Amendments.--Section 245 (8 
     U.S.C. 1255) is amended by striking ``Attorney General'' each 
     place that term appears and inserting ``Secretary of Homeland 
     Security''.

     SEC. 18. MISREPRESENTATION AND CONCEALMENT OF FACTS.

       Section 275(c) (8 U.S.C. 1325(c)) is amended by inserting 
     ``or permanent partnership'' after ``marriage''.

     SEC. 19. REQUIREMENTS AS TO RESIDENCE, GOOD MORAL CHARACTER, 
                   ATTACHMENT TO THE PRINCIPLES OF THE 
                   CONSTITUTION.

       Section 316(b) (8 U.S.C. 1427(b)) is amended, in the matter 
     following paragraph (2), by inserting ``or permanent 
     partner'' after ``spouse''.

     SEC. 20. FORMER CITIZENS OF UNITED STATES REGAINING UNITED 
                   STATES CITIZENSHIP.

       Section 324(a) (8 U.S.C. 1435(a)) is amended, in the matter 
     following ``after September 22, 1922,'', by inserting ``or 
     permanent partnership'' after ``marriage'' each place such 
     term appears.

     SEC. 21. APPLICATION OF FAMILY UNITY PROVISIONS TO PERMANENT 
                   PARTNERS OF CERTAIN LIFE ACT BENEFICIARIES.

       Section 1504 of division B of the Miscellaneous 
     Appropriations Act, 2001, as enacted into law by section 
     1(a)(4) of Public Law 106-554, is amended--
       (1) in the section heading, by inserting ``, PERMANENT 
     PARTNERS,'' after ``SPOUSES'';
       (2) in subsection (a), by inserting ``, permanent 
     partner,'' after ``spouse''; and
       (3) in each of subsections (b) and (c)--
       (A) in the subsection headings, by inserting ``, Permanent 
     Partners,'' after ``Spouses''; and
       (B) by inserting ``, permanent partner,'' after ``spouse'' 
     each place such term appears.

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, it is a privilege to join Senator Leahy 
in the introduction of the Permanent Partners Immigration Act, to 
address the injustice in our immigration law on gay and lesbian 
couples.
  The reunification of families is one of the cornerstones of our 
immigration policy. The American Dream is about opportunity and it is 
about family life as well. When one member of a family comes to the 
United States alone, we try to make it possible for their spouse, 
children, and siblings to join them in the future.
  Every year, our immigration policy reunites literally hundreds of 
thousands of families. In 2002, almost 400,000 immigrants came to the 
United States to join spouses who are citizens or legal permanent 
residents. Thousands more siblings and children joined mothers, 
fathers, brothers and sisters.
  Shamefully, though, our current law left thousands of other families 
permanently divided. Because of their sexual orientation, lesbian and 
gay couples are kept apart, or forced to stay together illegally, with 
one partner in constant fear of deportation. They are denied the half 
of the American Dream that we offer to other citizens and immigrants.
  Our bill will remedy this injustice. It gives the same-sex permanent 
partners of citizens and permanent residents the opportunity to join 
their loved ones in our country. They must meet strict standards of 
eligibility, like those applied to spouses. To gain entrance, they must 
prove that they are financially interdependent with their partners in 
the United States and that they are in a lifelong relationship.
  Most of our major allies and trading partners already grant 
immigration benefits to same-sex couples. Now, by bringing family 
reunification to all of our citizens and residents, our bill recognizes 
the common humanity of gay and lesbian Americans. It is time for 
Congress to act on this issue, and I urge my colleagues to support this 
important step in making our immigration laws fairer.
                                 ______