Gay Immigration Rights Issue Emerges In American Immigration Reform Efforts

[Jingthing]

OK, so here's my take.

The republican party has been using their opposition to gay rights as a wedge issue for their base for decades.

In the recent election the republicans finally woke up to the demographic power of Latino Americans, and realized they would never win another presidential election unless they can do better with this group.

So now after the election, the republicans are acting like they are OK with immigration liberalization to appease themselves with Latinos.

They ALSO know the Latino demographic largely shares their social "pro family" views which in American political code includes anti-gay rights.

So Obama comes out STRONGLY in his second term both for immigration reform/liberalization AND gay rights.

Now, here's the rub.

The republicans realizing a political opportunity to milk the anti-gay rights tendency of Latino Americans is now PLAYING the rights of these two minority groups against each other. Not a very surprising political tactic, but this could be a real dilemma for Obama. There are a LOT more Latinos than gays. Does he throw gays under the bus over this and cave to republican pressures? If he doesn't, then the republicans will blame Obama and his support of gay rights on the failure to reform immigration, deflecting the blame from themselves. Ugly stuff.

http://www.washingto...be79_story.html

Now, President Obama is aiming to grant same-sex couples such as Oliveira and his American husband, Tim Coco, equal immigration rights as their heterosexual counterparts. The proposal could allow up to 40,000 foreign nationals in same-sex relationships to apply for legal residency and, potentially, U.S. citizenship.

But the measure has inspired fierce pushback from congressional Republicans and some religious groups, who say it could sink hopes for a comprehensive agreement aimed at providing a path to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants.

The standoff may force Obama to choose between two key interest groups — Hispanics and gays — that helped power his reelection in the fall. The president must weigh how forcefully to push the bill, known as the Uniting American Families Act, while not endangering a long-sought deal to resolve the status of undocumented immigrants, most of whom are Latino.

BTW, not that it needs to, but this topic happens to have a Thailand connection. For Americans in same sex relationships with Thais, if Obama wins this fight for gay immigration rights, your same sex Thai spouse may have the opportunity to become an American citizen, just the same as Thai spouses of straight Americans, if that is their desire. If he feels he has to cave, then no.

Edited February 4, 2013 by Jingthing

[ProThaiExpat]

I did see a poll result recently that Hispanics favor equal marriage rights for same sex partners in the 50 percentile.

The Supreme Court decision on DOMA in June may make this issue moot.

My life will sure change if DOMA is declared unconstitutional!!!

[Jingthing]

I did see a poll result recently that Hispanics favor equal marriage rights for same sex partners in the 50 percentile.

The Supreme Court decision on DOMA in June may make this issue moot.

My life will sure change if DOMA is declared unconstitutional!!!

That poll may or may not be true but it is republican party political dogma that Latinos are persuadable with "pro family" positions.

[khaowong1]

What the hell is; Gay Immigration? What does being gay and immigration have to do with anything? Are you saying that the US won't let you immigrate to the US if your gay? How about you won't be allowed to immigrate to the US because you don't have any qualifications that would allow you to make a contribution to the public good in the US? We have enough people on welfare and un-employment. We don't need anymore fry cooks, waiters or farmers..

Edited February 10, 2013 by khaowong1

[Jingthing]

What the hell is; Gay Immigration? What does being gay and immigration have to do with anything? Are you saying that the US won't let you immigrate to the US if your gay? How about you won't be allowed to immigrate to the US because you don't have any qualifications that would allow you to make a contribution to the public good in the US? We have enough people on welfare and un-employment. We don't need anymore fry cooks, waiters or farmers..

Read the link please. The topic is about American citizens having same sex relationships with foreign nationals and not being able to have their U.S. STATE marriages (possible in some states) advance the citizenship application of their foreign spouses, as is possible and common for the heterosexually married. A clear case of inequality under the law.

(BTW, admit it, you didn't read the OP, did you? )

Edited February 10, 2013 by Jingthing