Friday, May 06, 2011

Good News from Newark!!



Remember Josh and Henry ... the same-sex couple facing deportation because the BIA (Bureau of Immigration) is bound by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (more aptly called the "Discrimination Against Our Marriage Act") not to recognize their marriage for immigration purposes? [if you "missed a meeting" here's the link]

ANYWAY ... Here's the Good News from Newark today ...


Same-sex couple wins delay in Newark deportation case
FRIDAY MAY 6, 2011, 2:16 PM
BY MEGAN DEMARCO [source link]

NEWARK — A federal immigration judge granted a petition of adjournment today for Henry Valandia, a Venezuelan native who married American Josh Vandiver in Connecticut last year and was facing potential deportation today.

Valandia will have to appear in court again on Dec. 16, but in the interim can stay in their Princeton home.

Because of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, the federal government does not recognize same-sex marriages.

The state did not oppose the petition.

The couple reacted with relief after the decision, hugging family members and wiping away tears.

"I'm in shock," Valandia said

"It's the best outcome that we could have hoped for," said gay rights lawyer Lavi Soloway, who added that the law could change by December.
It's not time for "The strife is o'er, the battle won" ... but it IS cause for a few "Alleluia, Alleluias!"
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1 comment:

  1. Elizabeth Kaeton3:27 PM

    This is SUCH good news. Thanks for spreading the word.

    ReplyDelete

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