First-ever hearing held on LGBT immigration equality

Senate, House up support as couples tell their stories

The U.S. Senate held the first-ever congressional hearing on GLBT immigration equality that would stop gay and lesbian families from being torn apart on June 3.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D- Vermont) introduced the Uniting American Families Act (S. 424) earlier this year; it has 18 cosponsors. The bill would allow same-sex couples the same immigration rights as married heterosexual couples. Passage of the bill is likely to be tied to overall immigration reform.

"The preservation of family unity is at the core of our immigration legal system. This American value must apply to all families . . . Federal policy should …