[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 27 (Friday, February 17, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H906]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     SAME SEX IMMIGRATION BENEFITS

  (Mr. WELCH asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WELCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to talk about two wonderful 
Vermonters from Dummerston: Frances Herbert and Takako Ueda.
  They met in college in Michigan more than 30 years ago. Takako, from 
Japan, was studying English on a student visa; and after completing 
school, Takako returned to Japan but stayed in touch with Frances. 
Eventually, Takako returned to the U.S., and she and Frances married. 
Quite a love story.
  Now Frances and Takako face their biggest challenge yet. Takako is 
being threatened with deportation. Frances and Takako are a same-sex 
couple. Their marriage is recognized in Vermont, but it's not 
recognized under Federal law; and without that recognition, Frances and 
Takako are not eligible for the same immigration benefits as other 
married couples.
  Madam Speaker, these are good people. They have a good relationship. 
They're good Vermonters. They deserve better.

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