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The Progressive

NewsWire

A project of Common Dreams

For Immediate Release
Contact:

Pedro Julio Serrano, Communications Manager
(Office) 646.358.1479
pserrano@theTaskForce.org

Task Force: Pass Comprehensive Immigration Reform This Year

WASHINGTON

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force responded to
President Obama's speech today on immigration reform. The Task Force has
long advocated for comprehensive and humane immigration reform. Find
more details here
and here.

Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

"It is long past time to reform our nation's cruel and broken
immigration system. Arizona's draconian and inhumane immigration law was
a reaction to the lack of any substantive federal response to this
ongoing challenge. Without federal action, the president and Congress
should expect a lot more of these misguided and extreme state based
laws. At least 22 states are considering copying Arizona's punitive law.
This is simply unacceptable. Congress and the president must exercise
leadership by passing and enacting comprehensive federal immigration
reform that is both fair and humane.

"This matters to the entire country, including the lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender families. Today, there are 12 million
undocumented immigrants, including at least half a million LGBT people
who are forced to live in the shadows of our society. We need humane
detention standards, a path to citizenship for undocumented people,
asylum for those persecuted because of sexual orientation or gender
identity, and family unification of the estimated 36,000 binational
couples who cannot live together in this country because federal law
bans recognition of their relationships. Immigration reform is a
national issue; it is an LGBT issue. It's time for Congress and the
president to step up and act now to reform this failed system. Our
country has waited too long for action and solutions."

The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we've made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. These barriers must go. That's why the Task Force is training and mobilizing millions of activists across our nation to deliver a world where you can be you. Join us!