The Daily Dish: "Love or Country?"
Posted on 08/10/2010 @ 09:22 AM
Following last week’s historic decision in the federal Prop 8 trial, LGBT binational couples across the country – and around the world – have stood up both to praise Judge Walker’s decision . . . and to remind the public that, even with the remarkable progress being made, some families still face separation and exile.
Last night, blogger and political commentator Andrew Sullivan posted a letter from one of his readers, who shared her story:
I have been reflecting a lot on your response to the opinion expressed by Allahpundit regarding the Prop 8 decision. I like what you said with respect to the timing and your defense of the decision of Olson and Boies to bring on this lawsuit. However, I think you could have challenged Allahpundit's other statements more fiercely. For one, it's true that the harm isn't "as egregious" as that experienced by blacks under Jim Crow. But there is a small minority of us who currently do experience a form of segregation. I'm referring here to those of us in same-sex binational relationships who have been unable to procure a legal means to live together in the United States.
Speaking for myself, I was unable to sponsor my British partner for immigration. She had neither the wealth, the connections, nor the right profession to allow her to obtain a visa under any of the available categories. I was forced to choose between living without the love of my life or leaving the United States to be able to live happily with my life partner.
While we are allowed to use any restroom or sit in any seat on public transportation when we visit the US, we can't live there if we want to spend our lives together as a couple! Love or country? Is that not a restriction in some sense as harmful to an individual as Jim Crow?
“There is only one group working tirelessly to end this cruelty,” Sullivan responds. “It’s Immigration Equality and I sit on its board.”
To view the full write-up, click here, and visit The Daily Dish online.
Comments
Leave a Comment