US Legislator Asks Federal Government to Stop Deporting Lesbian and Gay Spouses

U.S. Rep. Rush Holt of New Jersey wrote a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, asking that the Obama administration halt deportation proceedings against lesbian and gay spouses of U.S. citizens. Under the so-called ?Defense of Marriage? Act, married lesbian and gay couples are unable to sponsor their spouses for permanent residency because their marriages are not recognized by the federal government. In the letter, Holt referenced the ongoing case of New Jersey couple Josh Vandiver and Henry Velandia who were married in Connecticut last year. Henry is facing deportation to his native Venezuela because the U.S. Government does not afford him the same protections given to straight immigrant spouses. Holt said that until a decision is reached on DOMA, ?[Suspending deportation proceedings] is the right thing to do for Henry, Josh and countless others who are being victimized by this discriminatory and unconstitutional law."Related Media Coverage:The Associated Press - April 5, 2011"US Lawmaker: Suspend Deportation of Gay Spouses"http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110405/ap_on_re_us/us_same_sex_couples_deportation

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