Two New UAFA Co-Sponsors in the House

by Kathy Drasky

Published July 20, 2009 @ 09:24AM PT

Last week it was reported that Rep. Jay Inslee [D-WA-1] signed on as a co-sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA). Today we learn that we've added another supporter, Rep. David E. Price [D-NC-4]. 

This brings our total of UAFA co-sponsors in the House to 115. You can track the progress of the bill [H.R. 1024; S. 424] at Thomas - The Library of Congress website.

While neither of these Reps. was a target of the Out4Immigration letter writing campaign, the momentum of this campaign and the associated attention it has been generating is no doubt making a difference in people getting behind this legislation. Providing equal immigration rights for all Americans and their families is simply the right thing to do.

Week 20 - Letter Writing Campaign

by Kathy Drasky

Published July 13, 2009 @ 10:13AM PT

The Out4Immigration letter writing campaign closes out its 5th month in the trenches working toward passage of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) with 5 targets for Week 20. Three senators, 2 Congressmembers, 1 Indepependent, 1 Republican and 3 Dems. Each of these targets are selected based on either past support of the UAFA or LGBT issues in general.

Remember to email the staffers at the addresses below and then snail mail and FAX the hard copy of your letter to each Rep's office (addresses below). And, remember, this does work. We added another co-sponosor in the House last week, Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA). So don't give up.

As always, thanks to our volunteers Tom & Gina for the research and organization. We couldn't do this without them!

This week's targets:

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT)
706 Hart Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
FAX: (202) 224-9750

Staffers
Rachel_Sotsky@Lieberman.Senate.Gov
Todd_Stein@Lieberman.Senate.Gov

Sen. Jean Shaheen (D-NH)
520 Hart SOB
Washington, DC 20510

Staffers
Judy_Reardon@shaheen.senate.gov
Alison_Macdonald@shaheen.senate.gov

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)
703 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC  20510

Staffers for Senator Bingaman:
(Note - Sunalei is Mr. Sunalei Stewart)

sunalei_stewart@bingaman.senate.gov
trudy_vincent@bingaman.senate.gov

Rep. Mark Kirk (R-IL-10)
1030 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515
FAX: 202-225-0837

Staffers
Randy.Hirsch@mail.house.gov
Andria.Hoffman@mail.house.gov

Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA-7)
1022 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
FAX: (202) 226-0280

Staffers

nathan.bell@mail.house.gov
jonathan.porter@mail.house.gov

Sample letter as follows:

[Today's Date]

Dear [Senator][Representative] [Staffer] ,

I am writing to you to ask for [your] [ Congresswoman/ man.....] support by becoming a co-sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA; S. 424/H.R. 1024) sponsored in
the Senate by Sen. Patrick Leahy and in the House by Rep. Jerrold Nadler.

I am part of a group called Out4Immigration. [I am] [I know people who are] directly affected by the current unfair immigration policies in this country that deny gay and lesbian Americans in same-sex binational relationships the right to sponsor their permanent partner to live with them in the United States.

As you may be aware, these Americans in loving and committed relationships are often forced to make heartbreaking decisions to maintain their relationship. More often than not, these include having to leave the United States in order to be with the person they love. These American citizens are forced to give up careers, leave behind aging parents and young adult children who rely on them and leave a community which benefits from their ongoing and active participation.

The Uniting American Families Act simply seeks to provide gay and lesbian U.S. citizens and permanent residents the right to sponsor their partners for immigration. It includes the same process and penalties as applied in heterosexual sponsorship applications. By co-sponsoring the UAFA you are showing your dedication to equality and the belief that no American should be forced to choose between their country and the person they love.

Thank you for your time on this important matter. I hope that
[your] [Congresswoman/ man ...] name will be added to the list co-sponsors on this bill and support the UAFA in any discussions concerning Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Respectfully,

[NAME]
[ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL]
Out4Immigration
www.out4immigration.org

NCLR Calls on You to Call on President Obama to Move Forward with the UAFA, LGBT Rights

by Kathy Drasky

Published July 11, 2009 @ 09:49AM PT

Many of us have sat by quietly since the big Stonewall Day meeting at the White House with the President back on June 29. If you look at the big picture, the gesture of the President and First Lady meeting and greeting a roomful of LGBT activists from around the country was certainly significant and a testament of how far we've come. Could you imagine the Reagans doing this? Heck, even the Clintons back in the day couldn't have pulled it off.

But that was then and this is now. Sure, we understand the President has a lot on his plate, but, as Kate Kendall points out in her blog for the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), "LGBT people cannot wait to be the dessert course on even the most carefully planned four or eight-year presidential menu."

The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) wasn't even relegated to the after-thought dinner mint at the powwow 2 weeks ago. I know I read the entire transcript looking for the slightest mention of LGBT immigration rights and was disappointed -- especially after our all-volunteer grassroots efforts earlier this year contributed to a Senate Judiciary Hearing on the bill. (Results of that hearing still being anxiously anticipated.)

When I talk about the UAFA with two of Out4Immigration's founders, Amos Lim and Belinda Ryan, they remind me that our job is "to push from all sides" (Amos) and "keep rattling the cage" (Belinda). This week, Kate Kendall gives us five steps to do just that -- not just for UAFA, but for the big picture: full and equal rights for all. The time has come for a full course of LGBT rights. Put down the dessert fork, and get started by clicking here.

Week 19 - Letter Writing Campaign

by Kathy Drasky

Published July 06, 2009 @ 07:33AM PT

Every week, Out4Immigration targets members of Congress who we think understand and support our issue, but haven't signed on to co-sponsor the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) yet. We have now increased our efforts by writing to 5 Congresspeople and their staffers. We are going to try to get support from Republicans as well.

This week we have added two Republicans based on their past support on other important LGBT issues.

We are encouraged in knowing that several of the Congress
people we have written to signed on as co-sponsors soon after we wrote to them!

This week we will be contacting:

Senator Ted Kaufman (D-DE)
Washington DC
383 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
P: (202) 224-5042
F: (202) 228-3075

Staffers
geoff_moulton@kaufman.senate.gov
Ted_Schroeder@kaufman.senate.gov

Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO)
Washington, DC Office
Senate Hart Office Building
SH-317
Washington, DC 20510
P: 202-224-5941
F: 202-224-6471

Staffers
Jacob_Swanton@markudall.senate.gov
jennifer_sisk@markudall.senate.gov

Rep. Michael Castle (R-DE-1)
Washington Office 1233 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
P: 202.225.4165
F: 202.225.2291

Staffers
christina.crooks@mail.house.gov
jessica.gross@mail.house.gov

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL-18)
Washington, DC Office
2470 Rayburn H.O.B.
Washington, DC 20515-0918
P: 202-225-3931
F: 202-225-5620

Staffers
Joshua.Salpeter@mail.house.gov
Sarah.Gamino@mail.house.gov

Rep. Chris Murphy (D-CT-5)

Washington DC Office
412 Cannon HOB
Washington, DC 20515
P: (202) 225-4476
F: (860) 827-9009

Staffers
linda.forman@mail.house.gov
paul.kidwell@mail.house.gov

Please remember, after sending your fax AND your e-mails to the staffers, be sure to mail your handwritten letter to the members of Congress we are targeting.

Sample letter here: Please feel free to personalize this and include a photo of you and your partner/spouse and family.

[Today's Date]

Dear [Senator][Representative] [Staffer] ,

I am writing to you to ask for [your] [ Congresswoman/ man.....] support by becoming a co-sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA; S. 424/H.R. 1024) sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Patrick Leahy and in the House by Rep. Jerrold Nadler.

I am part of a group called Out4Immigration. [I am] [I know people who are] directly affected by the current unfair immigration policies in this country that deny gay and lesbian Americans in same-sex binational relationships the right to
sponsor their permanent partner to live with them in the United States.

As you may be aware, these Americans in loving and
committed relationships are often forced to make heartbreaking decisions to maintain their relationship. More often than not, these include having to leave the United States in order to be with the person they love. These
American citizens are forced to give up careers, leave behind aging parents and young adult children who rely on them and leave a community which benefits from their ongoing and active participation.

The Uniting American Families Act simply seeks to provide gay and lesbian U.S. citizens and permanent residents the right to sponsor their partners for immigration. It includes the same process and penalties as applied in heterosexual sponsorship applications. By co-sponsoring the UAFA you are showing your dedication to equality and the belief that no American should be forced to choose between their country and the person they love.

Thank you for your time on this important matter. I hope that
[your] [Congresswoman/ man ...] name will be added to the list co-sponsors on this bill and support the UAFA in any discussions concerning Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Respectfully,

[NAME]
[ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL]
Out4Immigration
www.out4immigration.org

Happy 4th! Celebrate Independence by Taking Part in Week 18 of Our Letter Writing Campaign

by Kathy Drasky

Published July 03, 2009 @ 09:48AM PT

The 4th of July can be a bittersweet holiday for LGBT Americans. We do not enjoy the full realm of life, liberty and happiness provided by our Constitution. Being shut out from basic rights that others enjoy here in the Land of the Free is painful and frustrating. Knowing that many of our friends have been forced to live in exile because of unfair immigration laws -- or endure long and heartbreaking separations from their spouses doesn't exactly leave one feeling festive and ready to go out and watch the fireworks.

So -- here's what you can do to celebrate Independence utilizing the rights we do have -- like freedom of speech. Take part in Week 18 of Out4Immigration's Letter Writing Campaign. Our four targets this week and their staffers are listed below. And for a sample letter and more instructions (if you're new here), please read the other letter writing posts below.

Sen. Robert Casey (PA)
393 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
Phone: (202) 224-6324
Toll Free: (866) 802-2833
Fax: (202) 228-0604

Staffers
bryn_mcdonough@casey.senate.gov
morna_murray@casey.senate.gov

Sen. Arlen Specter (PA)
711 Hart Building
Washington , DC 20510
Main: 202-224-4254
Fax: 202-228-1229

Staffers
JJ_Wilson@specter.senate.gov
Hannibal_Kemerer@specter.senate.gov

Rep. Rick Boucher (VA-9)
2187 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
202-225-3861
202-225-0442(fax)

Staffers
chris.davis@mail.house.gov

Rep. Pedro Pierluisi (Puerto Rico)
1218 Longworth HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-2615
Fax: (202) 225-2154

Staffers
Jonathan.Thessin@mail.house.gov
Geenae.Rivera@mail.house.gov

Week 17 -- Letter Writing Campaign

by Kathy Drasky

Published June 22, 2009 @ 10:39AM PT

Last week we added another co-sponsor to the Uniting American Families Act, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (IL-2), bringing the total number of co-sponsors in the House to 112. The Out4Immigration letter writing campaign continues to work -- many of you saw that Rep. Jackson had signed onto the Reuniting Families Act (RFA) and wrote him to remind him about UAFA. Thanks -- it worked!

Now we move on to Week 17. Our four targets, their staffers and a sample letter are all below.

Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI)
269 Russell Office Building
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510-2202
Phone (202) 224-6221
Fax (202) 224-1388

Staffers
kaye_meier@levin.senate.gov
jackie_parker@ levin.senate.gov

Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD)
503 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
ph (202) 224-4654
Fax (410)962-4760

Staffers
julia_frifield@ mikulski.senate.gov
mario_cardona@ mikulski.senate.gov

Rep. Stephen Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House
Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3265
Fax: (202) 225-5663

Staffers
David.Greengrass@mail.house.gov
Brittany.Johnson@mail.house.gov

Rep. Mel Watt (NC-12)
2304 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC
20515-3312
Tel. (202) 225-1510
Fax (202) 225-1512

Staffers
Jason.Everett@mail.house.gov
Alyssa.Gowens@mail.house.gov

Please remember, after sending your fax AND your e-mails to the staffers, be sure to mail your handwritten letter  to the members of Congress we are targeting. In the era of electronic communication and social media, handwritten letters are still a very effective means of reaching our members of Congress, and should be used as the final finishing touch of our weekly efforts.

SAMPLE LETTER

[Today's Date]

Dear [Senator][Represent ative] [Staffer] ,

I am writing to you to ask for [your] [ Congresswoman/ man.....] support by becoming a co-sponsor of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA; S. 424/H.R. 1024) sponsored in
the Senate by Sen. Patrick Leahy and in the House by Rep. Jerrold Nadler.

I am part of a group called Out4Immigration. [I am] [I know people who are] directly affected by the current unfair immigration policies in this country that deny gay and lesbian Americans in same-sex binational relationships the right to sponsor their permanent partner to live with them in the United States.

As you may be aware, these Americans in loving and committed relationships are often forced to make heartbreaking decisions to maintain their relationship. More often than not, these include having to leave the United States in order to be with the person they love. These American citizens are forced to give up careers, leave behind
aging parents and young adult children who rely on them and leave a community which benefits from their ongoing and active participation.

The Uniting American Families Act simply seeks to provide gay and lesbian U.S. citizens and permanent residents the right to sponsor their partners for immigration. It includes the same process and penalties as applied in heterosexual sponsorship applications. By co-sponsoring the UAFA you are showing your dedication to equality and the belief that no American should be forced to choose between their country and the person they love.

Thank you for your time on this important matter. I hope that
[your] [Congresswoman/ man ...] name will be added to the list co-sponsors on this bill and support the UAFA in any discussions concerning Comprehensive Immigration Reform.

Respectfully,

[NAME]
[ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER AND EMAIL]
Out4Immigration
www.out4immigration.org

Two More UAFA Co-Sponsors in the House

by Kathy Drasky

Published June 16, 2009 @ 04:44PM PT

We have two more co-sponsors of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) in the House!

Rep Quigley, Mike [IL-5] - 6/15/2009

Rep Watson, Diane E. [CA-33] - 6/15/2009

This brings the total to 111. Let's keep the momentum going. See below post for this week's targets and if you haven't contacted them yet, please do.

Also -- if you are just joining the Out4Immigration Letter Writing Campaign -- you can read through the posts here to see our targets from previous weeks. To see who has signed on and who still needs a reminder, go to:

[House co-sponsors] http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:HR01024:@@@P

[Senate co-sponsors] http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:SN00424:@@@P